Although the caste system was abolished when India gained independence in 1947, prejudices still remain, keeping the Dalits marginalised.

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They are reinforced by a Hindu caste-system perhaps even more entrenched than that in India, and by the discrimination long suffered by the Madhesi people of the lowland plains neighbouring India.

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India is structured in their caste system.

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But by accepting the poorest children as pupils, the Christians are seen as undermining India's Hindu caste system, which remains rigid in many areas.

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