Shailaja Paik: The MacArthur 'genius' from India who shattered caste barriers

The inspiring story of Shailaja Paik who fought against poverty and caste to win the MacArthur "genius" grant.

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Today, she stands as one of this year's 22 recipients of the prestigious MacArthur "genius" fellowship, a testament to a career dedicated to researching the complex lives of Dalit women - those born into the caste considered “untouchable” in South Asia's hierarchical society.

The MacArthur Foundation’s award - which includes a $800,000 [£615,000] stipend given over five years - isn’t just recognition for her research on caste, gender, and sexuality but a powerful endorsement of her ongoing mission: to unravel the ideas, actions, and lives of the oppressed.

Marlies Carruth, director of the MacArthur Fellows Program, says the interdisciplinary award seeks to “enable” people with a track record and the potential to produce additional extraordinary work.

"Through her focus on the multifaceted experiences of Dalit women, Paik elucidates the enduring nature of caste discrimination and the forces that perpetuate untouchability and marginality," the Foundation said while announcing this year’s nominees.

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cn8jz25w7g9o

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