Global Voices of Resistance: Panel Explores Caste Allyship and Solidarity Beyond Borders
- casteismstudies
- Nov 3, 2025
- 1 min read
A distinguished panel of professionals from public service, engineering, social work, and academia will convene to discuss “Caste Allyship and Anti-Caste Solidarity in Transnational Settings.” Moderated by Dr. Vikrant Kishore, the session will explore how individuals and communities are forging pathways for support and resistance against caste discrimination within the global diaspora.
The panel brings together four unique voices, each contributing a distinct perspective grounded in lived experience and professional expertise.
The Participants:
Giribala Thomas: An officer with the Australian Border Force, Ms. Thomas bridges her personal journey from a caste-oppressed background in India with a professional commitment to fairness and governance. Her work with Buddhist charitable and inter-faith organisations underscores a dedication to compassion and equality.
Digvijay "Jay" Bagde: A Chartered Professional Engineer and Senior Management Consultant in the Defence sector, Mr. Bagde applies a leadership and systems-thinking approach to social justice. Inspired by his Ambedkarite heritage, he advocates for equity in both corporate and community spheres.
Vastav Pradeep Bhagat: A postgraduate student in Data Science and Innovation at UTS, Mr. Bhagat represents a new generation of Ambedkarite thinkers applying principles of equality and education to modern, globalised professions.
Sandhya Ambade: A retired Deputy Municipal Commissioner from India, Ms. Ambade offers over 35 years of deep institutional knowledge from her extensive career in public administration, social welfare, and her role in establishing the Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar memorial in Airoli.
Together, the panellists will offer insights into building meaningful allyship, engaging with institutions, and asserting Dalit-Bahujan identities in settings where caste is often unacknowledged. Their combined experiences will illuminate the practical and ethical dimensions of creating anti-caste solidarity across borders.
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