My overall conclusion is that despite all the modernization and westernization of the Indian society, there will always be the presence of the caste system. Even though most high-caste Indians claim that they do not follow the caste system, and that the caste system does not exist anymore, it should not be the overall concluded statement. For if there were no such thing as the caste system, then why are there still reports of caste-related atrocities in the news? Why are there still Untouchables living outside the village walls?

I guess the assumption is that caste system refers to purity and pollution issues only. Even though people of all castes are mixing together, it does not mean that the caste system does not exist. One good example is marriage within castes. If there is no such thing as the caste system, then there would not be marriage advertisements and directories of Indians with their castes specifically stated, and there would not be the emphasis on marrying someone in the same caste.

The caste system has been around for centuries and it is rooted deep into the Indian culture. It will not be a system that can be changed overnight just because of western influence or minor rebellions by the Dalits. Even the laws set by the British in the past have not proven effective.

The only factor that may be slowly changing this ancient system is the fact that the younger generations, who are more educated and more open in thinking, do not know or believe in the system. As with any other traditions, it depends strongly on the parent?s teachings for the traditions to survive. Ultimately, it depends on the upcoming generations to carry on the tradition and if they do not believe in it, then the great ?walls? of the caste system, like the ones that keep the Dalits out of the villages, may soon come crumbling down.