Navigating Systemic Discrimination: A Psychological Study on the Anguish, Hope and Legal Battles of Dalit Scholars Pursuing Higher Education.

This research explores the psychological challenges that Dalit students face in their day-to-day transactions in the academic spaces to continue higher education despite facing systemic discrimination by the Brahminical institutional system. Due to this, the Dalit students experience anguish, pain, and various challenges that lead to severe distress. The Dalit students encounter significant obstacles, denial of scholarships, financial distress and the emotional strain of legal battles.

Despite having the scholarship provisions intended to support Dalit scholars to pursue higher education because of state denial or bureaucratic hurdles and the existing discriminatory practices that obstruct access to these mechanisms. This denial of timely disposal scholarships exacerbates their stress and trauma, further completing their higher education. The legal battles needed to secure justice and access to scholarships are arduous and often expensive due to a lack of community support. The minimal community support system available to these Dalit students makes them more daunting while struggling for justice.

This study employs both qualitative and ethnographic methods to examine the psychological impact of these obstacles, anguish, stress and pervasive discrimination faced by Dalit students in academic spaces or institutions. It explores how Dalit scholars, despite minimal resources and support systems from the community backing, draw inspiration from anti-caste leaders and persist in their fight for justice. It also demonstrates their resilience in navigating systematic injustice or discrimination practices and is reflected in their profound commitment to truth and rare but significant legal victories.

This research highlights the urgent need for reforms to improve relevant scholarship access and support mechanisms for Dalit students. It also emphasises the importance of psychological resilience and community solidarity in overcoming systematic oppression by the Brahminical social structure or pursuing higher education.