Unfortunately yes, it's become deep rooted in the society. But with progress and education it's not as prevalent as say maybe 30 years ago. The best way to deal with a problem is being it out in the open and educate people about it. Nobody cares about your caste or religion or even sexual orientation in bigger cities. But move over to rural parts or smaller cities and you immediately can notice that it exists, in some form or the other. Politicians from a particular caste may weaponise their caste as a means of getting votes or for other selfish gains. People from "lower"caste are still treated in inhuman ways in several places. It's sad but it still exists and we're dealing with it. I estimate it'll take atleast 20 years before we can maybe rid of it.

I'm technically from a lower caste but I've NEVER been discriminated against or have ever faced such an issue. But this maybe also because I have a very fair complexion and generally "lower caste"is associated with a darker complexion or simply maybe because I always treat people with respect and get respected in return.