Indian literary works focus on stories to do with Savarna histories, romance and struggles, excluding DBA (Dalit, Bahujan and Adivasi) stories, writers, readers and communities. The caste hegemony has seeped into literature, despite 'untouchability' being abolished by Article 17 of the Indian constitution 66 years ago.
Literature is a powerful tool to establish emotional connections with a large audience and bring forth new perspectives. By only representing the voice of the powerful, the literary world has sidelined voices from DBA communities from the mainstream.
Two Indian, independent, anti-caste publishing houses--Navayana and Panther's Paw Publications--are challenging the prevailing Savarna dominance in literature, by publishing works of DBA writers (for DBA readers and others) in the English language.
Navayana: A New Age For DBA Literati
Established in 2003, Navayana focuses on "the issue of caste from an anti-caste perspective," by publishing non-fiction books, translations and poetry, written by DBA and Savarna authors.
S Anand, the publisher and director of Navayana, said, "Being anti-caste is not just about reading books by Dalits. It's about trying to practice equality in everyday life. Most Savarnas who are moved by Dalit literature, do not often have any interactions or real friendships with DBA communities. Anti-caste writing allows for Savarnas to understand how Savarnas practice untouchability without even realising it."
A three-member team, Navayana has been extremely successful in uplifting unheard stories and writers. Books published by Navayana like "Bhimayana", a graphic biography of Ambedkar, are taught in schools and universities to Savarna students. According to Anand it's not enough, because:
"Savarna teachers and professors will teach Dalit literature, even books from Navayana, for example. But, the main question is: how does it affect and change the mindset of the Savarna teachers or students? Professors often do not ask why there are so few Dalits on their faculty. Does literature have an impact on their life? For Dalits, this is the life that they are living.
Despite their success, they feel as though the ratio of Savarna to DBA authors they have published remains skewed (33% DBA authors). This thought, accompanied by their determination to increase DBA visibility, sets them apart from mainstream publishing houses.
They launched the Navayana Dalit History Fellowship 2021, a fellowship meant to open up opportunities for DBA writers and document DBA histories.
Source: Youth Ki Awaz0 COMMENTS
