Responding to Vivek Raj’s Suicide: A Wake-Up Call for Indian Workspaces and Design Ecologies
Design ecologies, as vibrant and innovative as they may appear, are not immune to the deep-rooted problem of caste discrimination. The design industry, with its emphasis on creativity and expression, should be at the forefront of fostering inclusivity and challenging societal norms. However, the reality is far from ideal. Caste-based exclusion and discrimination infiltrate the design field, hindering the growth and potential of talented individuals like Vivek.
In the wake of a tragic incident that unfolded on June 3, 2023, the suicide of Vivek Raj, a talented professional and alumnus of the National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT) Bengaluru, highlights a deep-rooted problem within Indian workspaces — caste discrimination. Vivek’s untimely death serves as a poignant reminder that despite the claims of progress made by Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) initiatives, the issue of caste-based exclusion continues to persist and be willfully ignored. This critical piece sheds light on the urgent need for workspaces in India to confront the realities of caste discrimination, emphasizing the responsibility of DEI professionals and leaders to take meaningful action.
As an educator in the design industry, this tragic incident not only brings back memories of Rohith Vemula, a Dalit student who was also forced to take his own life, but it also raises concerns about the failure of workspace systems to provide adequate support and address the mental health challenges faced by individuals in the field. This post aims to shed light on the urgent need for reform within Indian workspaces and design ecologies, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive environment that nurtures the well-being of its practitioners.
Vivek Raj’s recorded video before ending his life reveals a harrowing truth: the battle against discrimination, whether in government or the private sector, is an arduous one. Vivek, belonging to a scheduled caste, faced demeaning comments and slurs from his manager and peers. The insensitivity he encountered, marked by the use of casteist language and derogatory remarks, showcases the deep-seated prejudice that exists within Indian work environments. This is not an isolated incident but a distressing reflection of the broader issue of caste-based discrimination plaguing our society.
The Illusion of Progress
Upon Vivek Raj’s demise, the response from his employer followed the predictable template of offering condolences and vague assurances of conducting internal investigations. However, what was truly necessary was transparency regarding the actions taken to address the inhumane treatment Vivek endured. Mere words without concrete steps only serve to perpetuate the notion that DEI initiatives in Indian companies are nothing more than lip service, lacking the genuine commitment required to dismantle caste-based exclusion.
While global DEI initiatives have made strides in addressing issues of gender, race, and ethnicity, it is essential to recognize that progress in the Indian context remains inadequate when it comes to caste discrimination. Many may believe that significant efforts are being made by DEI professionals in multinational companies, but often these initiatives are driven by global agendas rather than a genuine understanding of ground realities. The efficacy of conventional approaches such as unconscious bias training, sensitivity workshops, and the “business case for diversity” have come under scrutiny, revealing the crumbling foundations of these supposedly pioneering efforts.
Ignorance and Denial
The ubiquity of caste-based exclusion is an undeniable reality, lurking in the shadows of workplaces and design ecologies. Vivek’s decision to end his life, driven by the venomous fangs of casteism within a supposedly global organization, shatters any delusions of a caste-blind society. To those who dare deny the existence of caste-based discrimination in Indian workplaces, I implore you to embark on a journey of empathy and understanding. Immerse yourself in the available research, and engage in raw, unfiltered conversations with individuals from lower caste backgrounds, sharing their tales of anguish and resilience. Ignorance is not bliss; it is a malignant force that perpetuates the cycle of injustice, breeding denial, victim-blaming, and callous downplaying of such tragic incidents.
Denial of caste-based discrimination often leads to shifting the responsibility onto those who suffer its consequences. Such attitudes not only undermine the experiences of marginalized individuals but also perpetuate the culture of discrimination and exclusion. It is imperative to recognize that caste-based exclusion is not a figment of imagination, but a harsh reality that affects countless lives.
By dismissing or trivializing instances of caste-based discrimination, we fail to address the systemic issues that plague our workplaces and design ecologies.
Call to Action for Workplaces and Design Ecologies
The urgency to respond to Vivek Raj’s tragedy is not just about fulfilling legal obligations or public relations optics; it is about creating inclusive workspaces that prioritize the well-being and dignity of every individual. It is about recognizing the intersectionality of caste and gender, understanding the lived experiences of marginalized communities, and taking concrete actions that dismantle the barriers of caste-based discrimination.
Vivek’s untimely death serves as an urgent wake-up call to DEI professionals and leaders in India. Caste-based discrimination, harassment, and exclusion, intertwined with gender, persistently evade attention and must be confronted head-on. The hesitancy to broach this topic and the resistance faced in initiating meaningful change reflect the inherent biases that the DEI function aims to address. It is time for courageous action. Caste-based discrimination is not limited to workspaces but is present in all aspects of society, including design ecologies. Design has the power to shape identities and cultures, but when the design process is driven by a privileged caste, it can lead to the erasure of lower-caste experiences and voices. As design educators, it is our responsibility to teach our students about the impact of caste-based discrimination on design and encourage them to create inclusive and sustainable design solutions.
The statistics on atrocities against caste minorities paint a bleak picture of inaction leading to disgraceful outcomes. However, amidst the dark clouds, there is still hope for change. Every individual has the power to act out of humanity, fostering psychological safety and potentially saving lives.
This wake-up call demands that DEI professionals and leaders in India abandon superficiality and delve into the true manifestations of caste discrimination that are magnified under the microscope. It is a plea to shed ignorance, acknowledge personal biases and privilege[6], and engage in uncomfortable but necessary conversations that challenge the existing power structures.
The urgency to respond to Vivek Raj’s tragedy is not just about fulfilling legal obligations or public relations optics; it is about creating inclusive workspaces that prioritize the well-being and dignity of every individual. It is about recognizing the intersectionality of caste and gender, understanding the lived experiences of marginalized communities, and taking concrete actions that dismantle the barriers of caste-based discrimination.
The failure of workspace systems is not limited to the corporate sector alone; it permeates all realms of professional life, including design. While DEI initiatives have gained traction globally, their impact within Indian workspaces and design ecologies falls short of addressing the intricacies of caste-based discrimination. It is crucial to recognize that progress made in other dimensions of diversity does not automatically translate into progress in combating caste discrimination.
Design ecologies, as vibrant and innovative as they may appear, are not immune to the deep-rooted problem of caste discrimination. The design industry, with its emphasis on creativity and expression, should be at the forefront of fostering inclusivity and challenging societal norms. However, the reality is far from ideal. Caste-based exclusion and discrimination infiltrate the design field, hindering the growth and potential of talented individuals like Vivek.
As a design educator, the weight of responsibility in addressing this issue becomes even more apparent. The role of design education extends beyond technical skills and aesthetic principles; it must encompass social consciousness, empathy, and critical thinking. By incorporating discussions on caste-based discrimination, challenging implicit biases, and fostering a safe and inclusive learning environment, design educators can equip students with the tools to challenge and reshape the industry they will enter.
