The incongruity of caste and science

The article highlights the fundamental conflict between the caste system, which assigns social roles based on birth (as per Manusmriti), and modern constitutional principles of equality and individual rights (enshrined in the Indian Constitution's Fundamental Rights). It argues that science, through studies in genetics, epigenetics, and neuroplasticity, debunks the biological basis often claimed for caste, showing that social circumstances and endogamy create differences rather than inherit them. The piece criticizes the reinforcement of caste hierarchies in scientific institutions like IITs, emphasizing that while science cannot prove moral equality, it demonstrates human biological unity and the impact of environment on development, making caste-based discrimination an impediment to human potential and knowledge dissemination.