Has anyone experienced discrimination based on being Kayastha in social settings? How did you handle it?

Has anyone else felt that sting of discrimination just because we're Kayastha? It can be tough navigating social settings where our identity seems to raise eyebrows or even provoke unkind comments. Many of us have faced moments where our heritage became a topic of ridicule or misunderstanding, and it can be incredibly isolating. One thing that helped me was finding spaces where our identity is celebrated rather than questioned. I started attending community events focused on Kayastha culture, where I met others who share similar experiences. Being in a setting where we could openly discuss our traditions and challenges without judgment felt like a breath of fresh air. It reminded me that we have so much to be proud of, and connecting with others helped me feel less alone. Another approach that some of us have found useful is practicing self-advocacy. When someone made an offhand comment about my background, I took a deep breath and calmly explained what being Kayastha means to me. It wasn’t always easy—sometimes, I faced defensiveness or outright denial—but having even one person in my corner who truly understood made a difference. It’s empowering to stand up for ourselves and our identity, and it can also open the door for honest conversations. Navigating these situations can be emotionally draining, but sharing our stories with each other can lighten that load. If you’ve experienced discrimination, how did you handle it? Sometimes just talking to one person who gets it changes everything—what has your experience been?