N. Ranjan’s “Of What Use” - Detailed Summary

N. Ranjan’s “Of What Use” is an autobiographical, reflective narrative that traces the

author/narrator’s life experiences to expose how caste discrimination operates subtly and

overtly within everyday social and, most disturbingly, educational spaces. The story moves

episodically, following the narrator from childhood to adulthood, revealing how caste

consciousness is slowly learned, imposed, and institutionalised. The story begins with the

narrator’s first conscious encounter with caste, introduced not through society at large but

through his mother. When he is admitted to a Government High School, she instructs him to

identify himself as Pallan rather than Pallar to secure educational concessions. Until this

moment, caste had not been a lived reality for the narrator. This incident marks the beginning

of caste being etched permanently into his identity, not as pride, but as a bureaucratic and social

label necessary for survival.

The narrative then moves to village life, where communal celebrations like weddings

temporarily dissolve caste boundaries, at least superficially. Film screenings and shared meals

create moments of collective joy, but economic status and caste still determine who hosts

events and who merely attends. A key childhood memory involves the narrator eating at the

house of an Arunthathiyar family. Though the food is memorable and delicious, the casual way

in which he is identified by his parentage exposes how caste operates even in moments of

hospitality. His mother’s strong reaction, scolding him for eating in a “lower-caste” household,

reveals her internalised caste prejudice. However, as the narrator grows older and forms

friendships across castes, his mother gradually changes, eventually even supporting his right

to marry outside caste. This transformation highlights the possibility of personal change, even

if society remains rigid.

The story then shifts to school-level discrimination, particularly through sports. Though the

narrator excels at the game of Coco and serves as team captain during matches, his role is

erased during public recognition. Another boy from a dominant caste is presented as captain

during morning assemblies. Only later does the narrator realise that caste, not merit determined

visibility and honour. This quiet injustice deeply wounds him, showing how caste hierarchies

are reproduced even in spaces meant to reward talent and teamwork.At the university level,

discrimination becomes more insidious. During his Master’s programme, the narrator competes

academically with a close friend from a dominant caste, whom he treats like an elder sister.

Despite his strong performance, teachers manipulate marks to ensure she tops the class. In one

instance, exam questions are leaked to her over the phone. Though she feels guilty, the teachers

do not. This episode illustrates how caste bias is embedded within academic evaluation and

how authority figures actively shape unequal outcomes.

Another painful episode involves a personal friendship with a physically challenged woman.

When she casually expresses shame that her sister has eloped with a Scheduled Caste boy

despite knowing the narrator’s caste, the narrator is deeply hurt. This moment exposes how

caste prejudice persists even among educated individuals and within relationships labelled as

“friendship.”The narrative then expands to institutional oppression, particularly regarding the

Rajiv Gandhi National Research Fellowship meant for SC/ST scholars. Though selected, the

narrator and others face endless delays, hostility, and humiliation from university

administrators. They are mockingly addressed as “Rajiv Gandhi,” treated with jealousy, and

denied timely access to their rightful funds. Even after completing his PhD, the narrator is

denied his transfer certificate and library deposit, effectively trapping him within the system.

Bureaucracy becomes another tool of caste control.

The final major episode concerns a job interview for the post of Assistant Professor. Despite

being the most qualified candidate with a PhD and NET qualification the narrator is rejected.

All selected candidates belong to dominant castes, while equally or more qualified Scheduled

Caste candidates are excluded. This crushing disappointment reinforces the central argument

of the story: merit is secondary to caste. The story concludes with a chilling reflection on

academic hypocrisy. An external examiner boasts of being “cultured” by not asking about caste

directly, instead tracing it indirectly through family details. This pretence of sophistication

exposes the deep-rooted obsession with caste identity. The narrator ends by questioning the

purpose of education itself: if institutions meant to foster knowledge and equality continue to

perpetuate caste discrimination, of what use are they? ‘Of What Use’ is not merely a personal

narrative but a powerful social document. Through lived experiences, N. Ranjan exposes the

quiet cruelty, psychological pain, and systemic injustice faced by marginalized communities,

especially within educational institutions. The story ultimately challenges readers to confront

the moral failure of systems that claim progress while sustaining oppression.