SAN FRANCISCO, CA — Caste Files, a new online media and educational platform, has launched to challenge false and misleading narratives around caste, Hinduism, and race in contemporary society. These narratives have left South Asians and other minority communities vulnerable to attacks and threatened their stability in civil society, including in the workplace.

Caste Files was founded and launched in response to nefarious attempts against Hindus and to combat the baseless 2020 caste-based lawsuit brought against two Cisco Systems Inc. employees by the California Civil Rights Department (CRD), which severely misidentified Hinduism. The case was dismissed this week – nearly three years after it was filed – thereby discrediting the false and baseless claims about the Hindu religion, putting an end to a Hindu hate campaign, and xenophobic depictions of people of Indian origin. This case serves as a glaring example and study of the scary prospects of caste laws and ordinances. Not only has the Cisco case resulted in a trial by media where allegations were presented as facts, but it has also tarnished the entire Hindu American community and tagged them as casteist.

“Caste Files is a platform that seeks to debunk the false narratives around caste that have been perpetuated by the mainstream media,” said Caste Files Founder Richa Gautam. “We welcome the dismissal of the Cisco case are alarmed at the way in which caste has been portrayed as a Hindu construct, and we believe it is essential to fight back against false narratives around caste in North America. This fight has only just begun and we are taking it head on.”

Caste Files aims to challenge these false narratives head-on by providing accurate and evidence-based information, reporting, and resources about caste, Hinduism, and diversity. The platform will also serve as a space for discussion and debate on these important issues. Caste is a colonial construct, and it has become part of the woke lexicon in the modern context. There is a dire need to develop alternative education for the community, especially children who are truly American and unaware of the colonialisms plaguing Indian narratives.

Richa Gautam added, “Indian Americans have put up with textbook caricatures around racist theories that define caste as intrinsic to our belief system. Now these inaccuracies are being used to define us in public policy, in case law, and corporate trainings in America. This divisive agenda is also serving as a smear campaign against minority groups, and especially South Asians. Caste is a non sequitur for an immigrant in the United States. Most urbanized adults who come to America are extremely privileged to be here, and their immigrant identity does not incorporate caste baggage. That is the American dream, and with it comes the opportunity to build anew in a land of opportunity. However, those that are introducing caste in the USA neither love equality nor do they care for the idea of America and its meritocracy.”

Caste Files is comprised of a team of professionals, human rights advocates, and everyday citizens who are committed to providing accurate information and resources to fight back against false narratives around caste. The platform aims to educate people on the realities of caste and its impact on South Asian communities. With its launch, Caste Files is set to make a significant impact on the conversation around caste and identity in North America.

“We are alarmed that the legitimizing of caste as a Hindu construct has been carried on to such an extent that mainstream media has delivered hundreds of articles defining caste as a Hindu malady,” said Richa Gautam. “Caste Files was launched to fight back against this. We invite everyone to join us at Caste Files and become part of the resistance against the woke identity complex.”

If you are interested in understanding the truth about caste and race, please visit the Caste Files website at http://www.castefiles.com and become part of the conversation.