4th Dalit Literature Festival concludes with a resounding call for representation and social justice

By A Representative

The 4th Dalit Literature Festival (DLF) wrapped up on March 1, 2025, in New Delhi, leaving a lasting impact with its powerful reaffirmation of the need for representation, inclusivity, and social justice. Organized by the Ambedkarwadi Lekhak Sangh (ALS) in collaboration with Aryabhatta College, University of Delhi, and the Dalit Adivasi Shakti Adhikar Manch (DASAM), among other partners, the two-day event drew over a thousand participants from across India. The festival served as a vital platform to amplify the voices of Dalits, women, tribals, and LGBTQIA+ communities, blending literary discourse, cultural performances, and calls for systemic change.

The second and final day of the festival, moderated by Prof. Parmod Mehra, Prof. Anuj Kushowaha, and Prof. Seema Mathur, featured a series of thought-provoking panel discussions. Topics ranged from the Indian Constitution’s role in securing Dalit rights to the persistent exclusion of marginalized groups from media narratives. Speakers also addressed the intersectional challenges faced by Dalit women, tribals, and LGBTQIA+ individuals, as well as the dire circumstances of sewer workers, whose struggles with caste discrimination, harassment, and job insecurity were brought to the forefront. Notable contributors included Prof. Vivek Kumar, Prof. Rajesh Paswan, Dr. Rajkumari, Sumit Chauhan, Ramesh Bhangi, Senior IAS Dr. Rajshekhar Vundru, and scholar Rajat Sonkar, among others.

The day began with a soul-stirring rendition of the Bheem Geet (Ambedkar Anthem), performed by a musical ensemble, paying homage to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s legacy of resistance and empowerment. Jai Prakash Kardam, a prominent voice at the festival, lauded the contributions of Dalit women in upholding Ambedkar’s vision of equality, while Prof. Vinod Sonkar emphasized the Constitution’s critical role in safeguarding Dalit rights. Discussions also tackled the enduring practice of untouchability, with speakers urging collective action to dismantle this social evil.

A key highlight was the panel on media exclusion, where Sumit Chauhan pointed to the caste bias embedded in mainstream narratives. “This is not just about caste; it is a race against systemic oppression,” he declared, underscoring the growing influence of Dalit literature in reshaping public discourse. In a parallel session titled “Sewer Workers and Literature,” legal expert Vinod Sonkar advocated for policy reforms to ensure dignified employment for sanitation workers, while sewer worker Jai Prakash shared a harrowing personal account of discrimination and unsafe working conditions, stating, “We seek dignity and justice, not charity.”

The festival also celebrated literary milestones with the launch of Jaswant’s latest book, which delves into themes of caste, gender, and violence. A panellist spotlighted the book’s documentation of sexual violence against tribal women, issuing a Call for Papers to encourage further research on marginalized communities. Meanwhile, a theatre performance explored drug abuse, political exploitation, and social awakening, weaving in a tribute to Dr. Ambedkar and a call for education as a tool to combat superstition and oppression.

The Kavi Sammelan (Poetry Symposium) showcased evocative verses on resistance and identity, while cultural performances celebrated the resilience of Dalit, tribal, women, and LGBTQIA+ communities. The festival concluded with an awards ceremony honoring contributions to Dalit literature and advocacy, followed by closing remarks from Dr. Suraj Badatiya and Sanjeev Danda, founder of DLF. “Our voices are powerful, our stories transformative, and our literature will continue to drive the fight for equality,” Danda affirmed. The session was conducted by Prof. Balraj Simhar, convener of the festival.

This year’s theme, “World Peace is Possible Through Dalit Literature,” echoed throughout the event, reinforcing the transformative potential of Dalit narratives. The stages, designed by Prof. Jigeeshu of the College of Art, University of Delhi, and his students, provided a fitting backdrop to the festival’s vibrant discussions, book stalls, and performances.

Since its inception four years ago, the Dalit Literature Festival has grown into a significant movement, fostering dialogue and artistic expression to address caste discrimination, gender inequality, and minority rights. As it concluded, the festival left attendees with a renewed commitment to advocacy and social change.

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