Untouchability continues to be practised by over 27% of households in India, according to a survey by the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER). This form of caste-based discrimination keeps Dalits segregated from various social aspects, perpetuating inequality. In the education sector, Dalit children are particularly vulnerable, with over 60% experiencing physical assault, verbal abuse, or social exclusion in schools, as found by the National Campaign on Dalit Human Rights (NCDHR). Furthermore, access to basic resources like water remains limited for Dalits; a 2018 study revealed that 71% of Dalits are denied access to public water sources in rural areas. These statistics highlight the systemic and widespread nature of caste-based discrimination in India, deeply affecting Dalits’ everyday lives.

The Bheema Foundation is a Dalit-led organisation committed to the protection and promotion of the rights of Dalits, women, children, and other marginalised communities. Established in 2016 under the Society Registration Act, 1860, the foundation operates primarily in the Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Its core mission is grounded in the United Nations Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, with a focus on ensuring access to justice and ending caste-based discrimination. The Bheema Foundation provides legal support to various Dalit and women’s rights organisations, helping victims and activists alike through a rights-based approach.

The Bheema Foundation is actively combating casteism in India by raising awareness and offering legal assistance to those affected by caste-based discrimination. By focusing on both grassroots efforts and policy-level interventions, the foundation has worked to dismantle entrenched systems of casteism, especially in rural areas like Bundelkhand. They address cases of discrimination, advocate for victims, and educate communities about their rights. Through these efforts, the Bheema Foundation aims to foster a more inclusive society where casteism and gender-based discrimination are challenged, and marginalised voices are empowered to seek justice.