SOCHUM, Day One.
Rachna Iyer

The Social, Humanitarian and Cultural Committee was holding a debate on the topic inter-caste marriage. The session started with an informative reiteration of procedure, as many of the delegates were unsure and a little apprehensive about the rules. Minutes later, the General Speaker’s list opened with a stimulating speech by the delegate of Afghanistan, who explained that in Afghanistan, inter-caste marriage was allowed for men but not for women, to which the delegate of U.S.A contended. This was followed by the speeches of the delegates of Belgium, Brazil, Canada and Chile, who elucidated that not only does inter-caste marriage allow men and women of different communities to come together; it also brings about feelings of unity and concentration on one’s own religion. A moderated caucus was initiated on the topic ‘reasons why inter-caste 

marriage is discouraged. The delegate of Egypt made a point showing that inter-caste marriage requires a lot of patience, love and affection, which might result in the child not getting enough of the above. A great statement made by the delegate of India said that inter-caste marriage causes discrimination of the lower caste and a violation of rights. Next, a moderated caucus was raised on the grounds of ‘faith of children with parents of different religions’ raised by the delegate of Chile, who gave a very intellectual speech explaining that children get a better education about religions because both of their parents could advise them on both of the religions, thus, broadening their horizons. The environment at the SOCHUM committee session was truly a thought-provoking one; be back for more!