Hinduism is known as a diverse religion with its many traditions and customs. Hinduism accepts and gives absolute freedom of belief and worship to the faithful. It binds the whole world as one family based on one truth and therefore does not discriminate against anyone. However, some social issues accepted by Hinduism have attracted criticism from the Hindu community as well as the outside world. Few important issues include caste system, practice of Sati, dowry system etc. Hinduism takes a very strong stance on unity and considers all Hindus as family, regardless of age, gender, beliefs, or Hindus living in different countries. It is therefore obvious that one would believe that everyone is treated equally. The term "unity" definitely applies to Hinduism until certain topics are discussed such as the caste system. The caste system discriminates against people based on their socio-economic status. The caste system is a hierarchical sequence including at the top the Brahmins who are the priests. The Kshatriya caste comes next in the hierarchy, made up of wealthy ruling families as well as nobles and warriors. Next comes the Vaishya caste which brings together merchants, businessmen, farmers, etc. The last and certainly least caste is the Shudra, also known as the untouchables. The untouchables are the most mistreated and poorest people. Due to their caste, they are not hired for valuable positions and therefore live in poverty for the rest of their lives. Many talented individuals cannot make good use of their intelligence due to their caste. Hinduism divides people based on their birth and family lineage and calls this the will of God. Yet at the same time... middle of paper ... They all started with good intentions but over the years people have personalized it and now they are just examples of violence and discrimination. Works Cited Bumiller, Elisabeth. May you be the mother of a hundred sons: a journey among the women of India. 1st. New York, USA: Ballantine Books, 1991. Bowen, Paul. “Themes and Issues in Hinduism.” World religions: themes and issues. 1.4 (1998): 79-99. Embree, Ainslie. Sources of Indian tradition: from the beginning to 1800 (Introduction to oriental civilizations). 5. 1. Richmond, Texas, USA: Columbia University Press, 2005. 365-498Feldman, Rayah and Kate Clark. “Women, Religious Fundamentalism, and Reproductive Rights.” Reproductive health is important. 4.8 (1996): 12-20. Hawley, John. “Sati, the blessing and the curse: the burning of wives in India.” Oxford University Press. (1994): 215-305.