[HoniSoit]

I am starting this thread in the hope that we could share our experience about activism - the good things and the frustrations - and how we could improve. My two main concerns remain to be 1) sectarianism within socialist groups and 2) centralism and authoritarianism (and some degree of bullying) in organisations. I think you could offer justifications as to why they are necessary or at least tolerable but they are definitely not helping to attract new members who are largely sympathetic to the politics of the groups.

[fuser]

sectarianism is indeed a very big problem for socialist block, at a very basic level (grass root activism) it isn't necessary at all.

From my experience I can say that among the poorer strata of society, "red banner" does have a special place in the sense that they identify themselves with it. But I am very much frustrated by the "caste barrier" in India, specially in rural areas which are more harder to work with than urban centers.

Sadly, since my job (since 3-4 months), I haven't been involved in any sort of activism.

[HoniSoit]

What about labour? Is the caste system used to divide workers?

[fuser]

Yes, in conjunction with religion and region. To, give one example large industrial centers will provide housing (rental) for migrant workers (many times for local workers too) in ghetto like environment where blocks would be divided on the basis of caste, i.e. block A is for only caste a, block B only for caste b and so on.

Although casteism is not a big problem within the working class (urban) itself, its a great tool for their masters for the age old divide et impera policy.