My Journey of Reservations: From Mumbai Slums to the Elite without Caste-Based Privileges
In the vast tapestry of India’s socio-economic landscape, reservations have always been a contentious topic, eliciting strong emotions and varied opinions. As someone belonging to the VJ/NT community, hailing from the slums of Mumbai, and a state-level kabaddi player, my journey has been a testament to perseverance, not a privilege. Despite the available avenues of caste-based and sports quota reservations, I chose a path less trodden, steering clear of these privileges from my school days to securing an MBA from a Tier 1 institution.
Growing up in the bustling slums, my surroundings were a stark contrast to the world outside. Here, dreams were big but resources limited. Kabaddi wasn’t just a game; it was a ticket to a better life, a beacon of hope amidst the challenges. The dusty grounds of school witnessed my passion, determination, and prowess in kabaddi, paving the way for state-level recognition. However, this recognition did not translate into leveraging reservations that were available to me.
One might wonder, why did I choose to walk this path? The answer lies in my belief that reservations, while essential, need recalibration to truly uplift those who need it the most. The current system, albeit well-intentioned, often benefits those in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities, where access to resources, education, and opportunities is comparatively higher. Caste-based reservations, in particular, have inadvertently become tools of empowerment for those already equipped with socio-economic advantages, rather than for the truly marginalized.
As I navigated through my educational journey, I witnessed firsthand the challenges faced by my peers from Tier 3, Tier 4, and Tier 5 cities. Limited infrastructure, inadequate resources, and lack of exposure made their uphill battle even steeper. While reservations were available, the benefits seldom trickled down to these regions. This stark disparity reinforced my belief that reservations should be reoriented to target economic background rather than just caste.
My decision to forgo the benefits of reservations was not devoid of challenges. The road was fraught with hurdles, moments of self-doubt, and the occasional pang of seeing peers effortlessly securing positions I had to strive harder for. Yet, it was this very journey that instilled in me resilience, determination, and an unwavering belief in meritocracy. My kabaddi background taught me the essence of hard work, discipline, and teamwork — values that became my guiding principles.
As I progressed to pursue an MBA from a Tier 1 institution, the contrast between my origins and the elite corridors of academia became even more pronounced. Here, the debate around reservations took center stage, with polarizing views echoing in lecture halls, seminars, and discussions. While I respected differing opinions, my experiences fortified my conviction that reservations, in their current form, need introspection and reform.
To be clear, my stance is not against reservations. They have played a pivotal role in addressing historical injustices, promoting inclusivity, and creating opportunities for marginalized communities. However, the focus needs to shift towards a more equitable distribution, targeting regions where the need is the most acute. By redirecting resources, infrastructure, and opportunities to Tier 3, Tier 4, and Tier 5 cities, we can ensure that reservations serve their intended purpose — uplifting those at the grassroots level.
my journey from the slums of Mumbai to an MBA from a Tier 1 institution has been a testament to the power of perseverance, passion, and belief. While reservations have their place in India’s socio-economic fabric, it’s imperative to recalibrate and refocus these policies to truly empower those in need. By prioritizing economic background over caste and directing resources to underserved regions, we can pave the way for a more inclusive, equitable, and prosperous India.
