Sorry to barge in when you guys are having an interesting argument going about christianity but i have some comments regarding the original post.
First...there is no question that the Dalits are still treated badly,especially in north india ...more specifically in the states of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.The so division of Hindu society into various castes dates back to millenia and it is only since British colonialism and later after independence and formation of the modern Indian state did things start improving for this unforunate group of people.
The example quoted above ......regarding untouchability etc was widel prevalent a few decades ago but has been almost entirely wiped out from the southern states but continues to be prevalent ..albiet in a diluted state ...in some pockets of northern states.
Lately,various political parties have woken up to the fact that the Dalits are a huge vote bank and so they frame pro-dalit policies to woo them...often at the expense of opportunities for other Hindus.Nowadays there are regular street riots by upper class hindus clamouring for more opportunities in jobs,college education.The wheel has come full circle....almost!
The Church angle to all this is easily evident.Disillusioned Dalits are easy prey for conversion to Christianity,backed by financial incentives. Later they find they are outcasts...both from ordinary christians who look down on them, and Hindus who (without reason...for its their own fault) think they are deserters.
