Once again, the word untouchable floated to the surface of our conversations, but now in a sharply different register. This article attempts to unravel this paradox: to examine the word untouchable as it oscillates between stigma and immunity, between the Dalits at the margins and the elites at the centre of power. For Dalits, untouchability is about hypervisibility, being marked as polluting, segregated, and disciplined. For elites, untouchability is about invisibility, being shielded from critique, hidden from accountability, and protected from the law. ConclusionThe word untouchable carries a stark paradox that exposes the extremes of social power.

Source: Economic Times December 20, 2025 12:11 UTC