First Day of 4th Dalit Literature Festival Begins with
A Tribute to Dalit Literature and Empowerment
THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK-
New Delhi, February 28, 2025 – The 4th Dalit Literature Festival (DLF) was inaugurated today at Aryabhatta College, University of Delhi (South Campus), marking the beginning of a two-day event bringing together prominent scholars, writers, and cultural leaders to celebrate and engage with Dalit literature, history, culture, and the ongoing struggle for social justice where more than five hundred participants from different states joined. The festival is 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. This year, the festival continues to provide a crucial platform for the voices of Dalits, women, tribals, and LGBTQIA+ communities, fostering discussions and actions that promote peace, equality, and social change across the globe.
The opening ceremony set a powerful tone with a stirring performance of the Bheem Geet (Ambedkar Anthem) by the musical ensemble Deshraj, celebrating the legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, emphasising the themes of resistance and empowerment that are central to the event. Following the performance, the audience observed a two-minute period of silence to honour deceased Dalit writers, whose contributions continue to shape the fight for justice and equality and also featured a recitation of the Preamble to the Constitution of India by Mohsina Akhter, a member of the festival team. The event was moderated by Prof. Anuj Kushowaha and Prof. Ashok Kumar.
In his opening address, Dr. Suraj Badatiya, the founder of the Dalit Literature Festival, reflected on the significance of the festival, describing it as a space for “reclamation,” where Dalit identity, culture, and history can be celebrated freely and without interference. He highlighted the festival’s commitment to creating a space that is free from sponsorship and marginalisation, where Dalit voices can be heard and their contributions acknowledged without external distortion.
Sanjeev Danda, the co-founder of the festival, provided a brief history of the event, noting that it originated as a concept in 2017 and 2018 and took concrete shape in 2019. He underscored that the festival’s success is a result of voluntary efforts powered by individuals committed to the transformative potential of Dalit literature in effecting social change. Dr. Badatiya outlined how the festival serves as both a literary gathering and a cultural celebration of Dalit heritage, history, and contributions to society, aimed at advancing the cause of justice on a global scale.
The first day of the festival featured a series of panel discussions focusing on critical social and cultural issues. One of the main topics discussed was the significance of the Indian Constitution, particularly in relation to Dalit rights and empowerment. Discussions also addressed the exclusion and empowerment of women, with a focus on Dalit women’s empowerment, and the long-standing challenges faced by minority communities. Prominent speakers at these panel discussions included Namesh Rai, Prof. Ved Prakash, Prof. Saroj Kumari, Prof. Vinod Sonkar, Sudesh Tanwar, Balbir Madhopuri, Balli Singh Cheema, Ramesh Bhangi, Prof. Mohan Dass Naimisharay, Prof. Sarwar Chahal, Ashok Kumar Banjaara and Prof. Hem Lata.
In a session on Dalit women’s role in social and cultural upliftment, writer Jai Prakash Kardam highlighted the vital contributions of Dalit women in supporting Dr. Ambedkar’s ideals of equality and justice. Prof. Vinod Sonkar, another speaker in the session, emphasised the importance of the Constitution in ensuring equal rights for the Dalit community. Other speakers addressed the persistence of untouchability and the need to uproot this deeply ingrained social evil, which continues to divide society. They also explored how dominant caste groups have historically overpowered and marginalised Dalits, preventing their social and economic mobility.
One of the festival’s most notable panel sessions focused on Dalit cinema, exploring the representation of Dalits in the film industry. Prof. Ashok Kumar examined the stereotypical portrayals of Dalits in mainstream cinema and how these depictions shape public perception. He discussed how films often present Dalits through a narrow, negative lens, reinforcing harmful stereotypes.
This discussion also highlighted the intersection of caste and the representation of Dalits in popular culture, noting the tendency to portray Dalits with darker complexions while depicting upper-caste characters with lighter skin. Prof. Balraj Simihar, convener of the festival, pointed out the absence of films made by or about Dalits, noting that the narratives of dominant caste groups are the ones that dominate the global stage.
Dr. Seema Mathur further explored the portrayal of Dalit women in cinema, citing examples from films like Prem Rog, where widows are excluded from society and subjected to sexual violence, becoming economically dependent on men. These portrayals, she argued, reflect the ways in which Dalit women are treated as objects and denied agency, despite their resilience and strength.
The day concluded with cultural performances, including a vibrant musical show that celebrated Dalit culture and artistic expression. The event continued to foster meaningful dialogue, not only around literature but also around the broader cultural and social issues facing Dalits and other marginalised communities in India and globally.
The theme of this year’s festival, “World Peace is Possible Through Dalit Literature,” resonated strongly throughout the day’s events, reinforcing the idea that Dalit literature can be a vehicle for global social change. In addition to the panel discussions, the festival also featured cultural performances and book stalls, offering attendees the opportunity to engage with literature, art, and music that address issues of 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 provide 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.
The festival will continue tomorrow, March 1, with additional panels, performances, and discussions, continuing to explore the transformative power of literature in advancing the cause of justice and peace.
For Further Details, Please Contact:
8491052270 | 99599295017 | 77503655071
Organised by: Ambedkarwadi Lekhak Sangh, Aryabhatta College—University of Delhi (South Campus), Dalit Adivasi Shakti Adhikar Manch (DASAM), Ridam Patrika, PMARC
