A Platform for World Peace Through Dalit Literature
(Asian independent) New Delhi, a press conference was held at Aryabhatta College, University of Delhi (South Campus) for the 4th Dalit Literature Festival (DLF), where the dates for the festival were officially announced with the theme, “World Peace is Possible Through Dalit Literature”. The festival would take place on February 28th and March 1st, 2025, at the Aryabhatta College, University of Delhi (South Campus), which is organised by Ambedkarvadi Lekhak Sangh (ALS) in collaboration with Aryabhatta College, University of Delhi (South Campus), Dalit Adivasi Shakti Adhikar Manch (DASAM), and other organisations.
At the press conference, Prof. Suraj Badtiya and Sanjeev Kumar Danda, founder of the Dalit Literature Festival, stated, “As the world faces various conflicts, 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. In upcoming DLF events, we will continue promoting peace and breaking stereotypes and harmful discourses,” they added.
The DLF is aiming to emphasise the profound human, social, and global significance of Dalit literature, while this year’s theme highlights the transformative power of literature, not merely as an exchange of ideas but as a means to awaken human consciousness and promote peace on a global scale, and seeks to reinforce that Dalit literature serves as a tool for advancing justice, equality, fraternity, and non-violence, addressing social injustices, caste discrimination, and human rights concerns, both in India and internationally.
During the press conference, prominent speakers discussed the festival’s importance and necessity in contemporary times, highlighting how the festival plays a critical role in amplifying the voices of marginalised communities, including Dalits, Adivasis, women, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other minorities. This year, the event would address a wide array of socio-cultural issues, including environmental challenges, climate, cinema, history, poetry, and education, all through the lens of Dalit literature.
The festival serves as a space for promoting peace, with Dalit literature offering a strong condemnation of violence in all forms while promoting principles of justice, harmony, and equality. 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 further added, “The mission of this festival aligns with Dr B.R. Ambedkar’s vision of empowering the community and creating a more just and equal society. Through this event, we hope to change the discourse on Dalit through literature and use the pen as the tool to narrate tales from the community.”Mathur said, “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, emphasised the role of the festival in addressing the struggles faced by marginalised 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. Our collective goal is to advocate for peace, justice, equity, upliftment, and equality in our society.”
Also, Mohsina Akhter, a DLF team member, narrated, “This festival is a platform for reclaiming spaces for marginalised and underprivileged voices and highlights Dalit literature, history, culture, music, and cinema, creating an inclusive environment for discussions on the issues that affect women, Adivasis, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and other minorities.” “It is crucial to break the stereotype that Dalit literature is solely confined to caste-based issues, expanding the scope of these important conversations,” Akhter said.
This year’s festival will feature a distinguished gathering of writers, scholars, cultural leaders, singers, playwrights, and artists from diverse linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The programme will include various parallel thematic sessions, research paper presentations, panel discussions, cultural performances, book exhibitions, and art displays. These activities will create a comprehensive platform for intellectual and artistic exchange, focusing on critical issues affecting Dalits, women, tribal communities, and LGBTQIA+ individuals across India.
The festival will cover various themes, including the intersection of Dalit literature with environmental issues, the relationship between art and the role of literature in driving social change, and will contribute to the global dialogue surrounding Dalit literature, emphasising its relevance as well in society.
Meanwhile, in the past three years, the festival has opened new ventures for literary discourses and provided a space for reclamation, representation and recognition and emerged as an essential social and cultural movement.
The details for the 4th Dalit Literature Festival:
Date: February 28th and March 1st, 2025
Venue: Aryabhatta College, Delhi University (South Campus)
Theme: “World Peace is Possible Through Dalit Literature”
For more information, please contact:
8491052270, 9599295017, 7503655071
Organised by: Ambedkarwadi Lekhak Sangh, Aryabhatta College – University of Delhi (South Campus), Dalit Adivasi Shakti Adhikar Manch (DASAM), Ridam Patrika, Magadh Foundation, PMARC
