Yesterday, the University of Leicesters Centre for New Writing hosted a symposium on Dalit Literature. The symposium is difficult to summarise because it dealt with a lot of very difficult issues in a very short space of time. These issues include the Indian caste system and the effect this has on those who the system describe as untouchable or Dalit. Both writers who spoke at the event showed, through their work and in their responses to questions that were asked afterwards, how unjust and oppressive the caste system is. In addition to that, there was a discussion on the state (and future) of Dalit Literature, and the effect being translated into a language like English has on how Dalit writers are received at home. I also got the sense that there is something moving among Dalit writers that can potentially lead India to abolishing the caste system and accepting that all people are equal. But then, again, maybe I say this because I am an incurable optimist.
Posted on: Thu, 26 Jun 2014 00:59:44 +0000
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