In a special three-part series called "Breaking The Bonds", Al Jazeera is taking a look at people challenging stereotypes, to create a better future
India's Dalits, or 'untouchables', are deprived of jobs and discriminated against due to traditional associations with impurity and lower status.
But in recent years, some members of the caste have been able to rise above the traditional biases and discrimination to thrive in contemporary Indian society, including the political sphere.
Prerna Suri reports from Mumbai on one woman who went from life in a slum to becoming a millionaire factory owner.