4th Dalit literature festival to address critical issues affecting Dalits, women, tribals

By A Representative 

The 4th Dalit Literature Festival (DLF) has been announced, with the theme "World Peace is Possible Through Dalit Literature."  The festival will take place on February 28th and March 1st, 2025, at Aryabhatta College, University of Delhi (South Campus).  Organized by the Ambedkarvadi Lekhak Sangh (ALS) in collaboration with Aryabhatta College, Dalit Adivasi Shakti Adhikar Manch (DASAM), and other organizations, the DLF aims to highlight the power of Dalit literature in fostering global peace and addressing social injustices.

At a press conference held at Aryabhatta College, organizers Prof. Suraj Badtiya and Sanjeev Kumar Danda emphasized the festival's focus on peacebuilding through literary discourse.  "As the world faces various conflicts," they stated, "the theme of this year's DLF stands as 'World Peace is Possible Through Dalit Literature.' We feel that literary discourse can resolve conflicts and bring peace, and our goal is to promote peace through literature and foster global peace."

The DLF seeks to amplify the voices of marginalized communities, including Dalits, Adivasis, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other minorities. This year's event will address a wide range of socio-cultural issues, including environmental challenges, climate, cinema, history, poetry, and education, all viewed through the lens of Dalit literature.

Speakers at the press conference underscored the festival's importance in contemporary times. 

Prof. Balraj, Convener of the festival, Aryabhatta College, remarked, "Dalit literature gives voice to the oppressed, calling for peace rooted in justice, equity, and equality, and is a powerful tool for societal transformation."  Prof. Seema Mathur from Kalindi College added, "This is the space for sharing their life experiences of agony and struggles, which are actually converted into resistance and power."  

Prof. Ashok Kumar, Motilal College and Co-Convener of the festival, emphasized the festival's role in addressing the struggles faced by marginalized communities, stating, "Through this platform, we are aiming to give voice to the voiceless and raise awareness about the challenges faced by those who are often disregarded and neglected."

Mohsina Akhter, a DLF team member, highlighted the festival's inclusive nature and its aim to break stereotypes surrounding Dalit literature. "It is crucial to break the stereotype that Dalit literature is solely confined to caste-based issues, expanding the scope of these important conversations," she said.

The festival will feature writers, scholars, cultural leaders, singers, playwrights, and artists from diverse backgrounds. 

The program includes thematic sessions, research paper presentations, panel discussions, cultural performances, book exhibitions, and art displays.  These activities will create a platform for intellectual and artistic exchange, focusing on critical issues affecting Dalits, women, tribal communities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals across India.

The festival will explore themes such as the intersection of Dalit literature with environmental issues, the relationship between art and literature's role in social change, and will contribute to the global dialogue surrounding Dalit literature.