Nepal, March 5 -- Many people believe that the power of the caste system is on the wane and that the advancement of technologies, including social media platforms, has provided the oppressed masses with an alternative media space to voice their concerns, demand change and mobilise themselves against oppression. This observation is true to a degree; however, in many ways, the Dalits (and women and religious and sexual minorities, etc.) have been further exposed to bigotry and intolerance in the virtual world. This is a growing challenge for all concerned.

Village versus virtual

It is clear from numerous sociological and anthropological studies (such as the classic works of eminent Indian scholar MN Srinivas) as well as from the Dalits' l...