HIGHLIGHTS
*Hima Das last week scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman athlete to win a track gold at the world level
*She clinched the top spot in the women's 400m final race in the IAAF World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Finland
*A lot of people searched name on Google to find out more about her
NEW DELHI: Sprinter Hima Das last week scripted history by becoming the first Indian woman athlete to win a gold at the world level as she clinched the top spot in the women's 400m final race in the IAAF World Under-20 Athletics Championships in Finland.
But what do inquiring Indian minds want to know most about her? Her caste.
Yes, after her name, 'Hima Das caste' is the most searched topic about her on Google. Equally surprising, though, is the Twitter backlash against these inquiring caste-minded people.
India is a "sad country" said one person.
Referring to a similar search after shuttle PV Sindhu's silver at the Rio Olympics, another said, "Even in 21st century India casteism is so deeply penetrated in our veins. Not only shameful but disheartening."
Some despaired at the state of the country.
A few despairing souls took refuge in gallows humour.
This mentality is what's wrong with Indian society, was most people's consensus.
After her win, Prime Minister Narendra Modi heaped praises on her. He said he was deeply touched when Das "passionately" searched for the Tricolour after winning the medal and became emotional while singing the national anthem.
"Seeing her passionately search for the Tricolour immediately after winning and getting emotional while singing the National Anthem touched me deeply. I was extremely moved," the prime minister said.
"Which Indian wont have tears of joy on seeing this. It gives new energy and encouragement to 1.24 million Indians. I congratulate her for making the country proud," he said.
Das, who clocked 51.46s to win the gold, hails from Dhing village in Assam's Nagaon district.
"Which Indian wont have tears of joy on seeing this. It gives new energy and encouragement to 1.24 million Indians. I congratulate her for making the country proud," he said.
Das, who clocked 51.46s to win the gold, hails from Dhing village in Assam's Nagaon district.