Importance of including Dalit Writings in SCERT English Textbooks

IMPORTANCE OF INCLUDING DALIT WRITINGS IN SCERT ENGLISH TEXTBOOKS

 In an era when issues regarding human rights occupy the central stage, literary portrayals of marginalized communities are of utmost importance. Dalit literature is an attempt to bring to the fore the discrimination, brutality, and ostracization faced by the Dalit community in India. The members of the Dalit community have been pushed to the margins and their lived experiences have been disregarded by the majority. Their stories have been deemed unworthy to be written about.

The advent of Dalit literature, comprising poems, novels, memoirs, and the like, is rectifying this situation slowly by depicting the nuances of the Dalit culture. Dalit literature is one of the most important literary phenomena in post-independence India that is trying to restore dignity to a community that has been wronged for ages. Their struggles relating to their stigmatized identity as “untouchables” are finally being acknowledged. Dalit literature has become synonymous with the Dalit consciousness, on both individual and communal levels. The writings of B.R. Ambedkar, Joitirao Phule, and Periyar constitute the foundation of Dalit sociopolitical movements and literary productions.

Dalits are an important part of Indian society. Since ancient times they have been subjugated by the upper caste. Dalit literature is the much-needed outburst of the exploited people who have been robbed of their identities. It’s high time we make space for the self-narrative of Dalit authors that talk about their suppressed anger and the legacy of ill-treatment inflicted on them by the upper caste.

Dalit literature speaks of revolts, not passivity. It inspires progress despite all odds, not backwardness. This message can be be self-interest the entire world where many communities are still held captive by the self-interest of the oppressor. Dalit literature urges its readers to fight for both bread and roses. The history of injustice this community has been suffering needs to stop once and for all, and Dalit literature takes a step towards bringing in a brighter tomorrow.

So, the inclusion of Dalit Writings will help the students to know about the pain and hardships that were faced by the dalits. Their writings will explain the true Indian face.

Reference

1.https://feminisminindia.com/2022/09/27/the-importance-of-including-dalit-literary-works-in-school-and-varsity-curriculum/