-| Indian Society | -
Education
There
are 820,000 schools in the country, 573,000 for primary education. The literacy
rate is 54% nationally. Men are more literate than women at 64% and 39% respectively.
The literacy rate varies hugely from state to state. Kerala boasts 94% literacy,
while in Bihar and Rajasthan it's 38%.
Language There is no one Indian language as such. This is part of the reason
why English is still widely spoken 50 years after the British left India and
why it's still the official language. Eighteen language are recognized by the
constitution, and these fall into two major groups. Indo-Aryan, and Dravidian.
Additionally, there are over 1600 minor languages and dialects listed in the
census.
Society & Conduct
The Caste System : The caste system is one of India's most confusing mysteries-how
it came about, how it has managed to survive for so long and how harm it causes,
are all topics of discussion for vistors to India. Its origins are hazy, but
it seems to have been developed by the Brahmins or the priest class in order
to maintain its superiority. Later, it was probably extended by the invading
Aryans who felt themselves superior to the indigenous pre-Aryan Indians. Eventually,
the caste system became formalized into four distinct classes, each with rules
of conduct and behavior. At the top are the Brahmins, who are the priests and
the arbiters of what is right and wrong in matters of religion and caste. Next
come the Kshtriyas, who are soldiers and administators.
The Vaisyas are the artisan and commercial class and, finally, the Shudras are
the farmers and the peasant class. These four castes are said to have come from
Brahma's mouth (Brahmins), arms (Kshatriyas), thighs (Vaisyas) and feet (Shudras).
Today, the caste system has been weakened but it still has considerable power,
particularly among less educated people.
Charity & Support Having visited India, many clients feel they would like
to help particular group or charities in the subcontinent. We actively supprt
several charities in India located in different places. Varanasi for old dying
houses, Delhi for destitute women and homeless childern, Bodhagya for poorest
of poor children for basic education and vocational guidance for as long as
it is needed.
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