DICCI: Restoring Dalit Pride and Empowerment

In August 2023, the chair of the Pune-based Dalit Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DICCI), reflected on the organization’s 20-year journey to empower Dalits through entrepreneurship, independence, confidence, and job creation. Despite DICCI’s efforts, societal challenges and fears of disclosing Dalit identity persisted. As the chair considered ways to boost membership and retain existing members, he wondered whether emphasizing collective identity and solidarity could further empower Dalit entrepreneurs. Could celebrating successful Dalit role models, establishing mentoring programs, or prioritizing skill development further uplift the community?

This case is applicable across undergraduate, graduate, and executive-education level courses, particularly in the areas of social entrepreneurship, inclusive business practices, community development and engagement, and policy and advocacy. It is most beneficial when students possess a foundational understanding of caste discrimination, including the complexities around empowering Dalits in India, given the social stigma and cultural beliefs. It is designed to help students understand and discuss business strategies for empowering marginalized populations. After working through the case and assignment questions, students will be able to do the following:</p><br><br><ul><li>Explain the historical and contemporary socio-economic challenges faced by Dalits in India, including discrimination, poverty, and lack of access to resources.</li><li>Assess various business strategies and models implemented to empower marginalized communities around the world, including social entrepreneurship, inclusive business practices, and community-based initiatives.</li><li>Describe the common barriers that contribute to the marginalization and suppression of the Indian Dalit community.</li><li>Identify and outline strategies that can enhance pride and self-respect within the Dalit community.</li></ul>

• Dalit empowerment
• social entrepreneurship
• inclusive business
• community development
• policy advocacy
• caste discrimination
• Dalit identity
• membership retention
• business strategies
• marginalized communities
• Dalit entrepreneurs
• economic independence
• collective identity
• role models
• mentoring programs
• skill development
• socioeconomic challenges
• empowerment strategies
• social stigma
• cultural beliefs