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Lower caste Indian singer embraces centuries-old slur. Caste pride is driving her success.

by Rita Lakshimi

Ginni Mahi at her home with a Punjabi folk instrument called a “thumbi.” Photo: Rama Lakshmi/The Washington Post
Ginni Mahi at her home with a Punjabi folk instrument called a “thumbi.” A new song, Danger Chamar, flaunting her caste pride has become something of an anthem for many young people in India’s marginalized lower caste communities. Photo: Rama Lakshmi/The Washington Post

JALANDHAR, India — For centuries in India, the hateful slur was hurled at the lower caste community of leather tanners, regarded as “untouchables.” Now the younger generation in the community is embracing the word: “chamar.”

See full story at https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/lower-caste-indian-singer-embraces-centuries-old-slur-caste-pride-is-driving-her-success/2016/09/29/8c68bef0-84c6-11e6-b57d-dd49277af02f_story.html

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