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Caste Away: Growing Up in India's "Most Backward" Caste
#1 Amazon Best Seller in "Historical India & South Asia Biographies," "Two Hour History Short Reads," and "Ethnic and National Biographies."
"Growing Up in India's 'Most Backward' Caste" is a coming of age story told through the eyes of a "Most Backward" boy growing up in Tamil Nadu, India. Its pages are ripe with shame, honor, and survival-based decisions, such as a father killing his own daughter to preserve the family's reputation, a grandfather thieving a goat to feed his family and burying its bones in the night, and women employing natural poisons to kill their female infants in order to avoid the devastating costs of dowry.
Perhaps it is also a story of how to survive as a "Most Backward" boy in a society that values light skin more than education, designated by British colonizers as "habitually criminal," where ancient caste rivalries persist even into an era of rapidly unfolding modernity. Is it possible, one wonders, for a boy to leave his caste identity behind and adopt new ways of seeing himself, shattering hundreds of years of prejudice?
"Growing Up in India's 'Most Backward' Caste" illustrates the potential for faith, effort, and vision to overcome even the cruelest of abuses and biases. Its author, Dr. Hill Krishnan, later took on multiple identities disallowed by his engineer, movie actor and performer, political scientist, professor, candidate for public office in the United States, motivational speaker, and now, as an author telling his story. In "Growing Up in India's 'Most Backward' Caste," one observes the earliest, most pivotal moments in which he first defies oppression.
"Growing Up in India's 'Most Backward' Caste" is truly eye-opening—a brave, intimate portrayal of life as a "Most Backward" child resisting all categorization, inspiring the rest of us to challenge our own perceived limitations.
"Growing Up in India's 'Most Backward' Caste" is a coming of age story told through the eyes of a "Most Backward" boy growing up in Tamil Nadu, India. Its pages are ripe with shame, honor, and survival-based decisions, such as a father killing his own daughter to preserve the family's reputation, a grandfather thieving a goat to feed his family and burying its bones in the night, and women employing natural poisons to kill their female infants in order to avoid the devastating costs of dowry.
Perhaps it is also a story of how to survive as a "Most Backward" boy in a society that values light skin more than education, designated by British colonizers as "habitually criminal," where ancient caste rivalries persist even into an era of rapidly unfolding modernity. Is it possible, one wonders, for a boy to leave his caste identity behind and adopt new ways of seeing himself, shattering hundreds of years of prejudice?
"Growing Up in India's 'Most Backward' Caste" illustrates the potential for faith, effort, and vision to overcome even the cruelest of abuses and biases. Its author, Dr. Hill Krishnan, later took on multiple identities disallowed by his engineer, movie actor and performer, political scientist, professor, candidate for public office in the United States, motivational speaker, and now, as an author telling his story. In "Growing Up in India's 'Most Backward' Caste," one observes the earliest, most pivotal moments in which he first defies oppression.
"Growing Up in India's 'Most Backward' Caste" is truly eye-opening—a brave, intimate portrayal of life as a "Most Backward" child resisting all categorization, inspiring the rest of us to challenge our own perceived limitations.
- GenresNonfictionIndiaAsia
131 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2015
230 people are currently reading
132 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Want to read
June 23, 2017So I got this book during a trial period of Amazon Unlimited. Then we traveled back to the States and it expired. So far it was good and kept my attention until, recently. I'll read it when I only have access to Kindle books. So, we'll, it's on hold, for now, I'm reading real books I checked out from the library.
May 29, 2021
5 stars
This is the autobiographical story of Dr. Krishnan who is born in one of the most backward communities of India. Despite the obstacles of the social and economical status on his path, he works hard to gain admission in one of the India's most prestigious college on his own merit.
Top 3 takeaways from the book
Never Underestimate yourself: Mr Krishnan was born in community which does not believes in education and had a criminal history. He was very poor student, failing in 8th standard and struggled in maths till high school along with constant discouragement from his teachers and neighbors. Apart from his father no one in his family has been to college and he had all the reasons to not take education, yet with his firm determination and hard work he secures a admission in Engineering College of Anna University without any Caste Merit.
Be Grateful: Having a low social status, Mr Krishnan always had inferiority complex, until he came across a friend name Gopal in his college. Though, Gopal was from upper caste he have his own personal family problems worse than him, but inspite of that Gopal was full of optimism and this made Mr. Krishnan realize that no matter what your social status is, everyone have its own set of problems which one should accept and instead be grateful for other good things in life.
Vision Board: Though this not the term he have used in book, what it means is creating a goal and looking/writing it daily. Mr Krishnan could not make it to Anna University for first time, so he enrolled again for it and this time wrote the magic number which he wanted to achieve and pasted it in his room wall. His final score was precisely the same i.e. 285.45.
Conclusion
This book made me realize how grateful we are to receive good educational facilities which many people are denied because of there low social or economic status. It is an inspiration to all the people irrespective of their social/economic background and what they can achieve with their determination and hardwork. It also shows how students from small town can equally compete with city students in all aspects of life. If there is only one non fiction book you are planning to read this year, this should be the one. Strongly Recommended!!!
This is the autobiographical story of Dr. Krishnan who is born in one of the most backward communities of India. Despite the obstacles of the social and economical status on his path, he works hard to gain admission in one of the India's most prestigious college on his own merit.
Top 3 takeaways from the book
Never Underestimate yourself: Mr Krishnan was born in community which does not believes in education and had a criminal history. He was very poor student, failing in 8th standard and struggled in maths till high school along with constant discouragement from his teachers and neighbors. Apart from his father no one in his family has been to college and he had all the reasons to not take education, yet with his firm determination and hard work he secures a admission in Engineering College of Anna University without any Caste Merit.
Be Grateful: Having a low social status, Mr Krishnan always had inferiority complex, until he came across a friend name Gopal in his college. Though, Gopal was from upper caste he have his own personal family problems worse than him, but inspite of that Gopal was full of optimism and this made Mr. Krishnan realize that no matter what your social status is, everyone have its own set of problems which one should accept and instead be grateful for other good things in life.
Vision Board: Though this not the term he have used in book, what it means is creating a goal and looking/writing it daily. Mr Krishnan could not make it to Anna University for first time, so he enrolled again for it and this time wrote the magic number which he wanted to achieve and pasted it in his room wall. His final score was precisely the same i.e. 285.45.
Conclusion
This book made me realize how grateful we are to receive good educational facilities which many people are denied because of there low social or economic status. It is an inspiration to all the people irrespective of their social/economic background and what they can achieve with their determination and hardwork. It also shows how students from small town can equally compete with city students in all aspects of life. If there is only one non fiction book you are planning to read this year, this should be the one. Strongly Recommended!!!
August 5, 2021
The story started a bit tedious and slow, but ultimately developed in to an inspiring story. It is the memoir of young boy who belonged to a backward caste, and fought against overwhelming obstacles to achieve his goals.
December 24, 2018
Great story
Read from start to finish in one day. Amazing journey from poverty in a developing country to success in the United States of America. Must read!
Read from start to finish in one day. Amazing journey from poverty in a developing country to success in the United States of America. Must read!
May 13, 2022
Informative and inspirational
I found this to be an eye opening book that helps me to understand some of the aspects of the caste system in India. Americans often do not realize the differences of cultural experiences that many people who live in this country bring with them. This was a good read.
I found this to be an eye opening book that helps me to understand some of the aspects of the caste system in India. Americans often do not realize the differences of cultural experiences that many people who live in this country bring with them. This was a good read.
October 8, 2023
this was my professors memoir This was sooo insightful and i cant believe all this stuff really happened to him its like an irl rags to riches story like slumdog millionaire but it feels more real and tangible
also made me feel more connected to my culture cuz some stuff i was like Ya thats so real this was pretty nostalgic too
also made me feel more connected to my culture cuz some stuff i was like Ya thats so real this was pretty nostalgic too
March 6, 2021
Very enlightening
I found this book difficult to put down because it was so engrossing. I learned a lot about Indian culture and the caste system. How totally different than the U.S! It is a well written book. Thank you for so much for writing your story!
I found this book difficult to put down because it was so engrossing. I learned a lot about Indian culture and the caste system. How totally different than the U.S! It is a well written book. Thank you for so much for writing your story!
August 19, 2021
Loved the book
Reading this book, it made me realize that anyone can achieve great things, just as this author did. So much can be learned by stories such as this one, that can go a long ways. It was an awesome motivational story.
Reading this book, it made me realize that anyone can achieve great things, just as this author did. So much can be learned by stories such as this one, that can go a long ways. It was an awesome motivational story.
January 23, 2025
motivating
Reading this book felt like I was there in India with him. I love reading about Indian life. This books message was unexpected, I did not expect to be encouraged to pursue education and not fall into stereotypes. This book was a great way to start 2025
Reading this book felt like I was there in India with him. I love reading about Indian life. This books message was unexpected, I did not expect to be encouraged to pursue education and not fall into stereotypes. This book was a great way to start 2025
March 14, 2025
As someone with Indian family members I found this very interesting to understand life in the side of the world.The message of the story is motivational and has inspired me to focus of educating myself. Definitely a good book to start my reading journey with.
September 9, 2019
Inspiring
An incredible look into the caste life of the author and his ability to rise above. Touching memories of his family life as well.
An incredible look into the caste life of the author and his ability to rise above. Touching memories of his family life as well.
January 19, 2020
fascinating read! Very informative!
February 21, 2020
Inspiring
Simply motivating. Eye opening and moving. I learned more about the caste systems as expected and his tenacity and determination is very encouraging.
Simply motivating. Eye opening and moving. I learned more about the caste systems as expected and his tenacity and determination is very encouraging.
December 25, 2021
great bio
If you ever feel like your life is not enough this book will inspire you to move past setbacks and make a difference.
If you ever feel like your life is not enough this book will inspire you to move past setbacks and make a difference.
March 7, 2016
Wonderful
This was a wonderful and amazing read. Helped me understand life in India a lot better. Definitely a must read for anyone interested in sociology!
This was a wonderful and amazing read. Helped me understand life in India a lot better. Definitely a must read for anyone interested in sociology!
October 31, 2016
Great for learning the basics of Indias caste system. It is an autobiography that is inspiring and informative at the same time.
January 15, 2017
Wonderful book
A motivational book which proves reservation is not necessary for the back ward classes to succeed. Don't get confused by the title
A motivational book which proves reservation is not necessary for the back ward classes to succeed. Don't get confused by the title
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews