I was recently interviewed by a media house who wanted to understand how mental health care works for Dalits. So, we had an almost two hours long conversation and what I said appeared in bits and pieces for maybe around two paragraphs or so. I spoke about SO many things.

But somehow, only the parts of me that seemed pitiable were picked to make me seem like a victim. I don't know how much it's the journalist's fault cause everyone tries that stunt anyway. So I'm not naming anyone. BUT I have a few things to say anyway -

Firstly, I think in a very fun person. Yes, I have anxiety issues and panic attacks but I don't 'suffer' from them. I have almost always found a way out of it - thanks to an extremely supportive group of family, friends and the BEST community of women.

I don't really know all of my triggers yet but I'm figuring myself out. Coming back to what I really wanna say - I'm very privileged. I always tell the journo before hand that I can't speak for a rural Dalit woman because I'm aware of how easy I've had it.

That's also why I don't understand how savarnas feel confident enough to speak for someone else. I've had my fair share of caste discrimination and being bullied but there's so much more to me. These have been defining but I'M NOT SOME PITIABLE PERSON. I think I'm awesome.

I sing a lot. I love Taylor Swift's music. I watch Friends on repeat. I LOVE Schitt's Creek. I can't dance to save my life. I dance for my sisters when they're upset with me cause they can then laugh at me and forgive me. I love tea. I am vvvv lazy.I whine a lot around ppl I love

I have a kick-ass group of girlfriends who make me feel better by hugging me tight very often. I am socially very awkward sometimes. Some of my students love me. Me also. I have a very distinctive laugh. I am almost always laughing or singing a song in my head.

So please don't straight jacket me and my experiences. I call myself Dalit because I'm learning to take pride in that identity now. I've been sad and I have been discriminated against but I speak to y'all about a lot many other things. Pls don't make it look like I'm in pain.

I'm not.I'm angry at everything that's done to make my community seem like they don't deserve better.And I am angry because my Aayi fought hard for me to get here and I'm bloody going to enjoy it like she wanted me to. She didn't get to enjoy it but I'M GONNA, for her(and myself)

Don't do this to me. Go find your sob story elsewhere pls. Rn I'm singing-
You need to calm down, you're being too loud,
And I'm just like, Oh oh x 5
You need to just stop, like can you just not,
Step on my gown.
*End of rant*
Bye. Have a nice day. Do better. :))))

Oh, and I love whiskey. Neat. :)