5th February, 2026 : Session on Gender Justice and Anti-discrimination Law, at Kristu Jayanthi (Deemed to be University), Bangalore

The event was organized by the Law Department of Kristu Jayanthi College for the around 150 students of Law course form different streams. The main objective of the session was to bring in consciousness among students regarding Gender and Caste discrimination and the so-called privileges attached to it like Reservation. Reservation has a very critical viewpoint especially among the youngsters today. Hence, there has to continuous efforts made to make them realise and understand how and why affirmative action are needed for some sections of the society.

It started with a welcome note and introduction of the speaker, Adv. Ashwini Obulesh, Founder-Director of Dhwani Legal Trust. Archana Casmir, the Legal Awareness Coordinator of Dhwani Legal Trust started the session with the ‘Power Walk or Privilege Game’. Through this the students were able to understand the actual nuances of different sections of people like the Dalits, Women, Adivasis, LGBTQI+ communities and how exactly they are placed economically, socially and culturally in the society they live in. It is a very powerful activity which places the truth about the society without any research needed. It was an interactive session where in some students came in with valid reflections. Students came up with aspects of usurping social-financial capital, protect one’s caste identity through marriage, not willing to give up on their positions, to exercise power over others etc, which showed that they were social and progressive thinkers.

The main part of the session was addressed by Adv Ashwini Obulesh. She emphasised on the fact that Gender and Sex are two different things and Gender always had ascribed status like roles, responsibilities, clothing, attitudes etc., are all pre-determined factors. She went on to speak about the discrimination meted out to women and marginalized communities even in today’s world. It was made clear by the speaker that the discrimination is still prevalent in different subtle ways like veg only boards, matrimonial ads etc.,

There is also forms of covert and overt discrimination meted out to the marginalized and vulnerable communities with lots of jargons, stereotypes and judgements engraved without considering them as human beings.

The whole concept of Reservation and the factual understanding of the need for this affirmative action was explained by the speaker and not to look at reservation through the Privilege lens. But this needs a whole lot more of discussions and debates to get a deeper understanding from the marginalized perspective.

The last part of the session was a call for sensitivity which is the need of the hour, being sensible and as humane as possible while interacting or dealing with these communities. To empathise with other’s emotions and respect each other especially the lived experiences of the oppressed communities is a basic human right and a value.

The day was meaningful and informative to the students as they participated enthusiastically in the discussions and activity.