In a way, it like religion or gender, though some might disagree.
You may convert to another religion but can you change your caste?
It is not just Hindus, but Muslims and Christians too practice casteism in India.
This cartoon sums up the attitude towards caste in the country.
Everyone you meet keeps saying that 'caste is bad' and the 'caste system hurt India'.
In fact, many even go to the extent of saying that in 21st century, caste is meaningless.
But that's far from truth. Caste is a harsh reality in India.
This cartoon sums it up well. People do claim that they are against caste system and claim that they have never practiced it. But when it comes to marriage, they search for the partner belonging to the same caste.
The fact is that if you search for your partner from the same caste, you are also practicing casteism. You are promoting it, continuing it now and you can't say that you are anti-caste. You may justify but the reality is what it is.
Even in colleges, these days, many youngsters 'fall in love' after identifying person of their own caste. Yes, that's true. Some give the reason that they have to marry the person later and they don't want to irk their parents in old age.
There are several other similar things that are said to justify marriage and love within the caste. Like, 'same culture', 'it will be easy as our traditions are same' and 'lack of opposition from relatives'. But in in the end, it is about your belief in the caste and practicing casteism.