Foreword

Whatever reflections of untouchability and caste discrimination, we witness in the Hindu Society to day, is not at all mentioned in 'the Vedas-the authentic sources of Hindu Dharma. This is why, on religious plane, the Dharmacharyas have never approved and authenticated these social evils.

Untouchability is irreligious, inhuman and illogical, and is a sort of mental disease and attitude. Similarly, the caste discrimination is a social evil, perverted, distorted and degenerated form of Hindu social system, caused as a result of various social, religious and political transformations which took place during the last· thousands years. Both untouchability and casteism are quite complex and interwoven social degenerations. These can neither be easily eradicated simply by enacting Laws nor can be uprooted by providing financial assistance and political rights and privileges.

In order to eradicate these evils, a strong will power and a vibrant social, religious and political awakening is urgently needed first. Then, every social and religious group of the Hindu Society, individualy and collectively; will have to adopt a more constructive attitude towards these social evils as a part of their social, religious, ethical and moral duties. For this, the Hindus will have to educate and understand themselves the true Varnaie social setup as envisaged' in the Vedas, and transform the society on the basis of humanistic, equity based, judicious approach. A constructive social revolution is the need of the day.

In this direction, Prof. K. V. Paliwal has done a yoeman's service by writing a critical treatise on "Untouchability alien to Hindus Dharma" by giving innumberable references from the Hindu Scriptures viz. Vedas, Mahabaharat, Ramayana, Geeta, Smrities Puranas etc; and has convincingly established that untouchability and caste discrimination is unauthentic and non-existent in the Hindu Dharma Shastras.

I hope, this timely needed thought provoking book will not only generate new dimensions of study and research in Sociology and Religion, but also help in creating a more harmonious' society leading to the welfare of one and all by removing a feeling of untouchability and caste discrimination.

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