Patca
From Awareness to Action: Ending Caste Discrimination
PATCA is Australia’s leading advocacy organization actively breaking down caste barriers and building a more equitable society for all Australians. Through our innovative advocacy, education, and community engagement, we’re creating measurable progress toward a discrimination-free Australia that honors the dignity of every person.
Our Vision
We envision an Australia where caste identity no longer limits opportunities or treatment. We seek strong legislative protections that explicitly prohibit caste discrimination and encourage organizations to promote inclusion across all caste backgrounds. Embracing multiculturalism, we celebrate the diversity within South Asian communities and ensure the experiences of caste-oppressed groups are recognized and valued. Inspired by Periyar and Ambedkar, we are dedicated to building a society where social justice, rational policy, and genuine equality are lived realities for all Australians, regardless of caste.
Our Mission
At PATCA, we are dedicated to championing social justice, equality, and rational thought across Australia by embracing the transformative principles of Periyarism and Ambedkarism. Our mission is to dismantle systemic barriers that hinder equal rights and opportunities, regardless of caste, race, gender, or religion. We strive to advocate for meaningful policy reforms and political actions that promote fairness and inclusivity. Through education, community mobilization, and empowerment, we seek to build a society grounded in equity, dignity, and justice for all.
What’s On Display
Featured Highlights
International Humanist Conference 2025
Road Map
PATCA Roadmap: Year & Month Milestones
April 2022
Submitted 30+ representations to AHRC on caste discrimination.
December 2022
AHRC formally recognised caste discrimination as racism
July 2023
The Greens NSW recognised caste as racism in their policy platform
July 2024
PATCA Inauguration (28/07/2024)
October 2024
Stop Ravan Dhagan Campaign (27/10/2024)
November 2024
Caste included under anti-racism framework (26/11/2024)
December 2024
Contributed to AHRC’s Anti-Racism Framework through community consultations
January 2025
Equality & Social Justice talk by Author Muthukrishnan (21/01/2025)
March 2025
Asiriyar K. Veeramani and Advocate Arulmozhi visited Australia, with events held in Sydney, Brisbane, and Melbourne
Now
Online Webinar Sessions. Stay updated by following us on our social media platforms.
Videos
Latest Videos
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News & Article
While many Australians may be unfamiliar with caste discrimination, it affects thousands within our communities daily. Recent research has documented hundreds of instances of caste discrimination throughout Australia, including:
- Workplace exclusion and hiring bias based on surnames and perceived caste identity
- Social isolation and exclusion from community events and religious ceremonies
- Housing discrimination affecting where families can live
- Educational barriers creating lasting disadvantage
- Psychological impacts from concealing identity to avoid discrimination
These experiences aren't isolated incidents but reflect systemic challenges affecting Australia's growing South Asian diaspora of over one million people. Without specific protections, those experiencing caste discrimination currently have limited legal recourse.
To ensure that Australian law is truly reflective of contemporary values, it's crucial that the Act be modernised. By integrating provisions against caste discrimination, the Act would be more encompassing, addressing the complexities of intersectionality. It is not just about preventing overt acts of discrimination but also about dismantling the deeply entrenched prejudices that perpetuate covert discrimination. The modernisation of the Act and the explicit inclusion of caste discrimination as a protected characteristic is therefore not just a legal necessity; it's a moral imperative. As Australia strides into the future, it is vital that no individual is left behind, ensnared in chains of discrimination. Our commitment to fairness and equality demands that we recognise, challenge, and eliminate caste discrimination, ensuring a just and inclusive society for all
The core of modern Australian values lies in the principles of fairness, equity, and respect for every individual. As our society evolves, it is leaning more towards evaluating individuals by their skills, talent, and contributions rather than antiquated and irrelevant socio-cultural hierarchies. Our legal frameworks, including the Act, should mirror this progressive ethos
Beyond the personal, the societal implications of caste discrimination are equally worrisome. Such discrimination perpetuates divisions, creating stark division in Australian society where lower castes are discriminated against and disadvantaged, based on merit or effort, but purely on birth and perceived caste status.
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Testimonials
What People Say!
"PATCA is making significant contributions in Australia by promoting the values and rationalist ideologies of Ambedkar and Periyar. They are working tirelessly to prevent the import of casteist mindsets from India and are actively fighting against caste-based discrimination within Australian society. PATCA is doing extraordinary work abroad in upholding Periyar’s rationalist and humanitarian philosophy. Their activism is truly inspiring, and I see great hope in their vision and unwavering commitment to justice."
Advocate A.Arulmozhi
"Meeting PATCA members in person and seeing a group so passionately committed to spreading the ideals of Ambedkar and Periyar through organised collective work fills me with immense pride. PATCA is doing extraordinary work abroad in upholding Periyar’s rationalist and humanitarian philosophy. Their activism is truly inspiring, and I see great hope in their vision and unwavering commitment to justice."
Asiriyar K. Veeramani President, Dravidar Kazhagam