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Hi Rene, My life in India was in Goa and Bombay. I never knew (or made the attempt to know) the caste of my friends, acquaintances, neighbors, classmates, party-goers, girlfriends, dance-partners, co-workers, colleagues etc. This applies if they are/ were Goans, Maharastrians, Mysoreans, Gujeratis or from other states in India. So I am dumb-founded by the extent of current caste discrimination reported on GoaNet on an everyday basis in Goa (and Bombay). I have a feeling, like Goans often tend to do, there is some overstatement and empty / pious emotionalism. :=)) And others are likely reporting of what used to occur about a century ago among Goans. As regards your request for practical steps to eliminate caste, (and class) here are some suggestions. Invite the lower caste along with the upper caste to your parties and celebrations. Make it a point to attend their social and religious functions. Publicly encourage and support them (if you know 'them') for public office be it in our little communities or politically in our regions. If you live in America it is time for 'liberals' to praise and support Pres Bush for his appointments of many Blacks and Hispanics to powerful, high and visible Government posts in the USA. If a Goan has broken-through any 'glass ceiling' he/she should be awarded a WGD recognition. Regards, GL Rene Barreto: Writing or talking does not help eliminate CASTE, action does. Do WE have any suggestions as to how this CASTE problem can be addressed? If so please share them with us on this Goan Forum. LETS begin TODAY.