Social Dimensions

Obsession and Discrimination

Published

5 years ago

December 18, 2020

Anusha Mahanta
Delhi Public School, ONGC Nazira, Assam

We inhabit a society where fascination towards the fair-complexioned is widespread. It is believed that being fair is a blessing while having a dark complexion is a condemnation. A person regarded as fair-complexioned is considered a compliment and is perceived to be prosperous, literate, and hygienic, whereas inferring the relatively darker being as illiterate, destitute, and unclean. The beauty standards have always praised a light-complexioned person and even proclaimed them the symbol of glamour. We are compelled to believe that being fair is a correspondent of being charming. Based on the suppositions mentioned above, this primarily gives rise to “colourism” or, in simple words, discrimination against the dark-skinned and obsession towards the fairer.

But how did fair superiority become prevalent in India? Is this going on for centuries?

The past has recorded several occurrences that obligated the Indians to think that fair skin symbolized supremacy.

Around 1500 BCE, during the Vedic age, when the Aryans migrated to India, they discovered themselves to be comparatively taller, fairer, and more civilized than the Dravidians, which afterward sequenced the dominance of the Aryans over the Dravidians. Besides, India was also being overshadowed by the Persians, Dutch, and the British, which had relatively fairer complexions. We can also presume that the caste system was one such reason for the fair-skinned authority’s dominance. Since it was, and still be perceived, an individual belonging to the Upper caste is generally fair and wealthy. In contrast, a lower caste person is dark-skinned and deprived, which helps distinguish between the touchable and untouchable in the past. These are some of the events which impelled the Indians to praise the fair complexion and equate it to superiority.

Consequently, in contemporary India, Hindu Gods and Goddesses are portrayed in a light skin tone. Simultaneously, the evils and demons are shown as dark-skinned to exemplify “virtuous or preeminent” and “vicious or trivial,” respectively. However, centuries ago, the Dravidians depicted the deities as dark-complexioned.

As soon as the TV industry started to dwell on human lives, it intensified the idea of beauty. While the film industry became popular, it somehow contributed hatred towards the darker shades. People, especially the youngsters, desired to have fair skin to imitate the movie stars they admired, which justifies that the lead casts were eventually fair. Though some stars nearly had a dark complexion, they ultimately went through innumerable skin whitening processes to acquire acceptance in the film industry.

In the aftermath, people began to evolve insecurities towards their skin colour, taking advantage of which fairness creams promptly dominated the cosmetic industry. Making us convinced by racial statements like “fairness gives you a success” and “Being fair is lovely,” these creams have earned over Rs 3000 crores. Despite knowing that it can cause severe diseases like skin cancer, people still prefer a fairness cream which proclaims to bleach their skin and make it light.

In India, a dark-skinned person is accustomed to advice such as drinking milk, avoiding tea, and applying homemade fairness masks. Students taunt the one with a dusky appearance by addressing them with offending names such as kaala kauwa(crow), Koyla(coal), Blackberry, Gulab Jamun, and sometimes even an African, which inadvertently gives rise to racism. Even if someone loves their dusky complexion, society leaves no stone unturned to make them hate themselves. It is often being told that no boy will marry you if you are a dark-skinned girl, although the stereotype became a reality for quite a few. In most arranged marriages, the boy seeks a fair girl and vice versa. Even in matrimonial sites, a fair-skinned bride’s preference is always highlighted, which justly determines that discrimination regarding the dark and preference of fair skin still exists.

These are only a handful of instances a dark-skinned person has to go through; in reality, it’s much more. The world is advancing; hence we should progress too. India is a diverse country with people accessing different shades comprising their uniqueness; we must not treat our people as aliens just because of their complexion. From the earliest age, children should be taught to adore and respect every complexion, since they will be India’s future youth and thus would conquer the capability to change our society and its stereotypical assumptions. Adults should resist themselves from judging people by their skin color and pass hateful statements. The fairness creams and advertisements highlighting dark complexion as insecurity or liability and the films and songs comprising racial attitudes should be reported and banned. In a nutshell, shades are distinctive; hence giving preference to only a specific group of people is null and void. Myriads of people have spoken up on this matter. Still, it will only be worthwhile when the nation will unite and break the walls of prejudice jointly and contribute to acquiring triumph over the so-called “Obsession and Discrimination.”

Social Dimensions

Ojass conducts sessions on ‘Mindfulness: The Real Me vs. The Screen Me – Understanding Our Digital Selve’ in Gurugram Schools

Published

5 months ago

October 25, 2025

VOV Writer

Ojass Takhte Trust conducts sessions on ‘Mindfulness: The Real Me vs. The Screen Me – Understanding Our Digital Selves’ in various schools across Gurugram, Manesar, Sohna and other subdivisions.

The sessions conducted in schools followed an interactive and child/teen-centred pattern designed to promote healthy screen habits and digital mindfulness among students. Each session was structured to combine learning with participation, ensuring that children and youth could relate the discussions to their own daily screen experiences. The workshops began with a warm welcome and icebreaker activities to build rapport and introduce the goals of the session. Students were then guided through discussions on different types of screen use—educational, recreational, and social media—and informed about recommended screen-time guidelines for their age groups.

Through engaging presentations developed by experts from Ojass Takhte Trust and real-life examples, volunteers as facilitators highlighted the physical, psychological, and social consequences of excessive screen exposure, such as eye strain, sleep disturbance, attention difficulties, and reduced interpersonal interactions. Participants then explored strategies for balanced digital use, including creating tech-free zones, scheduling breaks, prioritising physical activity, and practising mindfulness.

Further, group discussions encouraged students to express their ideas and co-create “Healthy Screen Habits” suited to their lifestyles. The workshops also included focused discussions on the role of families and schools in shaping responsible digital behaviour, emphasising the importance of open communication, consistent boundaries, and collective responsibility in managing technology use.

Each session concluded with a Q&A segment, followed by an “Action Commitment” exercise, where students pledged one personal change to improve their digital habits.

The training model successfully blended education, self-reflection, and practical strategies—empowering students to become mindful, responsible, and balanced digital citizens.

Volunteer with Ojass!
Ojass applauds students from NorthCap University who have volunteered as facilitators for cascading the message under this project. Ojass welcomes other college students to join and volunteer and can give back to society, build their portfolio, and earn community service work hours meaningfully through social impact projects.

Social Dimensions

Standathon on World Mental Health Day: “Zero Net Hour – Being Mindful”

Published

5 months ago

October 24, 2025

VOV Writer

Continuing its observance of World Mental Health Day, Ojass Takhte Trust organised a Standathon on October 11 at Huda City Centre Metro Station—one of the busiest transit hubs in Delhi NCR—to further spread awareness on the theme “Zero Net Hour: Being Mindful.”

The event drew enthusiastic participation from seventy youth volunteers of The NorthCap University, embodying the energy and social consciousness of Gen Z—the responsible citizens and changemakers of tomorrow.

The volunteers stood in solidarity, holding placards with thoughtful messages encouraging commuters to pause, reflect, and embrace mindfulness in their daily lives, reinforcing the campaign’s call to disconnect from screens and reconnect with self-awareness and real-world connections.

Volunteer with Ojass!
Students interested in giving back to society, building their portfolio, and earning community service work hours meaningfully through social impact projects are welcome.

Social Dimensions

Ojass launches Quick Pat Project

Published

5 months ago

October 24, 2025

VOV Writer

Rabies is indeed 100% fatal if untreated; it is also 100% preventable, a fact that remains largely unknown to many. The lack of awareness, especially regarding the urgency of timely post-bite treatment, coupled with limited access to free anti-rabies vaccines for economically weaker communities, creates a critical public health gap. This fear and misinformation often translate into hostility towards stray animals, with calls for their blanket removal, a trend that could extend from dogs to cats and even monkeys. The absence of preventive measures, awareness, and vaccination drives not only sustains this cycle of fear and inhumane treatment but also places both humans and animals at continued risk.

Ojass Takhte Trust values coexistence and strives to foster harmony between humans and animals. To bridge the gap of fear and misinformation, the Trust, under its Quick-PAT project, will prioritise raising community awareness of rabies prevention and first-aid practices. As part of its commitment, the project will ensure treatment for 100 underserved individuals affected by animal bites, providing free Anti-Rabies Vaccination (5-dose regimen) and Anti-Tetanus injections under medical supervision. Simultaneously, it will vaccinate 1,000 stray dogs and cats against rabies, thereby reducing transmission risks. Through these efforts, the Trust aims not only to safeguard health but also to promote humane and compassionate practices that reduce fear and hostility toward stray animals. This one-year initiative seeks to set the foundation for long-term community safety and coexistence.

Ojass is with FundCorps and started the fundraising campaign to work for this cause, and Ojass is heartily grateful to all those contributors who have been thoughtful and donated for this cause. Please spread the message and continue supporting us.

Volunteer with Ojass!
Students can give back to society, build their portfolio, and earn community service work hours meaningfully through our social impact projects.