Smartism’s non-dual philosophy does more than offer a rich tapestry of deities—it quietly chips away at rigid social hierarchies. By teaching that every soul (Atman) is identical to the ultimate reality (Brahman), caste distinctions lose their foothold. Adi Shankara, the movement’s 8th-century torchbearer, opened Vedic study to all “twice-born” castes and challenged Brahminical monopolies, effectively setting a precedent for a more level playing field.

Gender equality finds its champion in Smartism’s embrace of the divine feminine. Shakti isn’t sidelined; she’s worshiped on equal footing with Vishnu or Shiva. Temples dedicated to all major deities often include shrine space for goddesses like Saraswati and Lakshmi, signaling that spiritual power isn’t gender-bound. Modern Vedanta centers mirror this stance: female acharyas lead study circles and rituals, and initiatives—such as the growing number of women priests in southern India—illustrate a shift from “that’s how it’s always been” to “why not now?”

Current events echo these ideals. When the Supreme Court of India ruled in favor of women’s entry at Sabarimala in 2018 and again in 2024, Smartist thought leaders hailed it as a natural extension of Advaita’s core teaching: barriers to the divine are artificial. Across global Vedanta societies, workshops on inclusivity and caste-bias awareness have become staples, blending ancient insights with 21st-century social justice concerns.

By viewing every deity as a different face of the same underlying truth, Smartism also encourages dialogue across religious and cultural divides. Social reformers inspired by non-dual tenets often work alongside NGOs tackling discrimination, transforming spiritual unity into tangible community projects. In an age where tribalism in its many forms is on the rise, Smartism’s insistence that “all is one” remains a powerful antidote—proving that when the line between “self” and “other” vanishes, so do the old walls of caste and gender prejudice.