Jaipur National University vice-chancellor KL Sharma speaks at Kameshwar Singh Memorial Lecture. Picture by Pramod Gupta

Darbhanga, Nov. 28: Kalyani Foundation organised a lecture on the transformation of the caste system on Kalyani Niwas campus today to mark the 150th birth anniversary of Maharajadhiraj Kameshwar Singh.

Speaking on the subject, “Transformation of caste system into caste in contemporary India”, sociology professor and vice-chancellor of Jaipur National University, K.L. Sharma, said caste system continues to be a social force in both rituals and politics. He said: “Caste system can be seen in politics — in elections from the panchayat level to Lok Sabha.

Political parties nominate candidates based on caste — leaders have politicised the caste system for their ulterior motives. Even trade unions and students unions are not free of the vice.”

Referring to the results of the Assembly elections, Sharma said: “It may be hasty to say that development has defeated caste. We have to wait and watch. Caste has a tendency to revive and regenerate itself.”

Sharma also released a book on the Maharaja’s life in the Kameshwar Singh, Bihar Heritage series.

Foundation president Hetukar Jha welcomed guests at the event that was attended by several IAS officers, dignitaries and academicians.

Station review

After inspecting development work at Jaynagar and Madhubani stations at Darbhanga station on Saturday evening, East Central Railway general manager K.K. Shrivastava said construction of Kusheshwar Asthan broad gauge line would be completed by 2011.

Shrivastava said the construction of Kosi Mahasetu on Kosi river was in progress and would be completed soon. Among the other projects, he said the flyover at Kathalbari would be completed within May 2011 and the washing pit at Jaynagar in 2011.

Regarding the Bharat-Nepal Maitri plan, Shrivastava added the railways has completed survey of the Jaynagar to Badribas project for better relations with Nepal.

The Centre has sanctioned Rs 10 crore for the project while the railways will invest Rs 470 crore in the project.