#JusticeForVivek: Rapper Naveen Koomar On Using Music To Call Out Casteism
Naveen Koomar's rap song sheds light on casteist discrimination that led to a Dalit man, Vivek Raj dying by suicide.
#JusticeForVivek: Rapper Naveen Koomar On Using Music To Call Out Casteism
(Photo Courtesy: Chetan Bhakuni; Ayush Goenka; Altered by The Quint)
(Trigger warning: This story discusses themes of suicide and casteism.
If you feel suicidal or know someone in distress, please reach out to them with kindness and call these numbers of local emergency services, helplines, and mental health NGOs If you or anyone you know )
In light of a Dalit man, Vivek Raj dying by suicide after alleging caste discrimination at his workplace, a Delhi rapper named Naveen Koomar released a free verse rap song titled 'Slip of Tongue' where he calls out workplaces for their blatant casteism.
He speaks to The Quint about the significance of the track and the longstanding effects of caste-based harassment. He also shares the daily instances of casteism he is subjected to.
His track also shed light on the casual usage of casteist slurs that are prevalent in professional spaces.
Through his rap verses, Naveen Koomar has previously raised his voice against social injustices like mob lynchings, and violence against CAA and NRC protesters in 2020.
Watch the video for more.
Video Editor: Veeru Krishnan Mohan
Music Producer: Devonian
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