THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK-
New Delhi, March 2, 2025 – The 4th Dalit Literature Festival (DLF) concluded on a profound note on March 1, 2025, reaffirming its commitment to amplifying marginalised voices and fostering meaningful discourse on social justice. The event saw the participation of over a thousand individuals from various states. The festival was organised by the Ambedkarwadi Lekhak Sangh (ALS) in collaboration with Aryabhatta College, University of Delhi, and Dalit Adivasi Shakti Adhikar Manch (DASAM), among other organisations. The final day of the festival featured impactful discussions, literary tributes, and cultural performances that underscored the struggles, resilience, and contributions of Dalits, women, tribals, and LGBTQIA+ communities. The event was moderated by Prof. Parmod Mehra, Prof. Anuj Kushowaha, and Prof. Seema Mathur.
The second day of the festival included a series of panel discussions that addressed critical social and cultural issues affecting Dalits, women, tribals, and LGBTQIA+ communities. The key topics included the significance of the Indian Constitution in relation to Dalit rights and empowerment, the exclusion and empowerment of women, with a particular focus on Dalit women, and the challenges faced by minority communities, including tribals and LGBTQIA+ groups. Attention was also drawn to the exclusion of Dalits from media representation, as well as the struggles of sewer workers, highlighting issues of caste discrimination, harassment, mistreatment, and job and financial insecurity. The prominent speakers in these discussions included Prof. Vivek Kumar, Prof. Rajesh Paswan, Dr. Rajkumari, Sumit Chauhan, Ramesh Bhangi, Prof. Vinod Sonkar, Prof. Snehlata Negi, Prof. Mukesh Mirotia, Senior IAS, Dr. Rajshekhar Vundru, Prof. Namasya, Prof. Anu Mehra, Sudesh Tanwar, Prof. Ashok Kumar Banjaara, Prof. Ashok Kumar, Scholar Rajat Sonkar, Jai Prakash Kardam, Mohan Dass Naimisharay, and Prof. Hem Lata.
The final day of the festival set a powerful tone with a stirring performance of the Bheem Geet (Ambedkar Anthem) by a musical ensemble, honouring the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and emphasising themes of resistance and empowerment. Jai Prakash Kardam highlighted the invaluable contributions of Dalit women in advancing Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals of equality and justice. Prof. Vinod Sonkar underscored the importance of the Constitution in ensuring equal rights for Dalits. Other speakers addressed the persistence of untouchability and the need to dismantle this deeply entrenched social injustice, which continues to divide society.
Further discussions focused on the atrocities faced by tribals and the urgent need for collective action and reclamation. Speakers also examined the intersectionality of issues facing LGBTQIA+ communities. The Kavi Sammelan (Poetry Symposium) featured powerful poetry on resistance, identity, and social realities.
A panel discussion on media exclusion was marked by Sumit Chauhan, who emphasised the caste bias inherent in mainstream media, stating, “This is not just about caste; it is a race against systemic oppression.” He highlighted the growing influence of Dalit literature in shaping public discourse.
A parallel session, “Sewer Workers and Literature,” addressed the challenges faced by manual scavengers. Legal expert Vinod Sonkar advocated for policy enforcement, dignified employment, and the recognition of sanitation workers as integral to urban infrastructure.
The festival also saw the launch of books, including Jaswant’s latest book, which explores themes of caste, gender, and violence. During the event, a panellist highlighted the prevalence of sexual violence against tribal women, as documented in the book, and issued a Call for Papers to encourage further research on these critical issues related to tribal women as well as LGBTQIA+ groups.
A theatre performance explored themes of drug abuse, political exploitation, and social awakening, illustrating how marginalised communities are manipulated through addiction and caste-based vote-bank politics. The performance also paid tribute to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, emphasising the role of education in dismantling superstition and systemic oppression. The narrative concluded with a strong appeal for drug rehabilitation and awareness of the impact of alcoholism on families and society.
Further, in a panel session, scholar Rajat Kumar Sonkar emphasised the crucial role of literature and activism in addressing caste-based atrocities, stating, “Our struggle is not just for recognition but for rightful representation.”
In a panel session on sewer workers, Jai Prakash, a Dalit sewer worker, shared his firsthand experiences of discrimination, delayed wages, and unsafe working conditions, remarking, “We seek dignity and justice, not charity.” His testimony reinforced the need for systemic reforms and labour protections.
The festival concluded with an awards ceremony, recognising exceptional contributions to Dalit literature, social justice, and advocacy. In their closing remarks, Dr. Suraj Badatiya and Sanjeev Danda, founder of the Dalit Literature Festival, emphasised the necessity of inclusive literary platforms and broader representation in mainstream discourse. “Our voices are powerful, our stories transformative, and our literature will continue to drive the fight for social justice and equality,” he affirmed, and the concluded session was conducted by Prof. Balraj Simhar, convener of the festival, while highlighting the importance of the festival.
The event concluded with cultural performances celebrating the resilience and vibrancy of Dalits, women, tribal, and LGBTQIA+ communities. As the festival came to an end, it left an indelible mark, underscoring the ongoing need for advocacy and dialogue.
Meanwhile, the stages for this 4th edition of the DLF were designed by Prof. Jigeeshu, Professor at the College of Art, University of Delhi, along with his students.
The theme of this year’s festival, “World Peace is Possible Through Dalit Literature,” resonated throughout the two-day event, reinforcing the notion that Dalit literature has the potential to drive global social change. In addition to panel discussions, the festival featured cultural performances and book stalls, providing attendees the opportunity to engage with literature, art, and music that address caste discrimination, gender inequality, and the rights of minority communities.
Over the past four years, the Dalit Literature Festival has evolved into a significant cultural and social movement. It continues to serve as an essential platform for addressing the challenges faced by Dalit and marginalised communities, fostering intellectual and artistic exchanges that contribute to broader discussions about social justice, peace, and equality.
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Organised by: Ambedkarwadi Lekhak Sangh, Aryabhatta College—University of Delhi (South Campus), Dalit Adivasi Shakti Adhikar Manch (DASAM), Ridam Patrika, PMARC
In solidarity
Sanjeev Kumar
Dalit Adivasi Shakti Adhikar Manch (DASAM)
National Alliance of People’s Movements (NAPM)
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