A student at Gomti Book Festival at LU
Because they want to understand caste, equality and social reform through the writings of those who challenged existing social structures,” said a publisher at the festival, Kamla Kumar, students are increasingly picking up such books. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Lucknow | Silver Rate in Lucknow | Bank Holidays in Lucknow | Public Holidays in Lucknow | Lucknow AQI | Weather in Lucknow | Petrol Price in Lucknow | Diesel Price in Lucknow | CNG Price in Lucknow | LPG Price in Lucknow Stay updated with the latest Lucknow news.
“I wanted to read ‘Joothan’ because it gives a first-person account of caste discrimination and shows why equality cannot remain only an idea,” said Amitesh Pal, a student. Another student, Jahnvi Singh, said she bought ‘Who Were the Shudras?’ to understand the historical development of the caste system and its impact on people’s lives, adding that students should read such books to develop a better understanding of society. “Among the books on caste and social justice, ‘Annihilation of Caste’ is drawing strong interest from young readers, with around seven copies being sold each day. Download the TOI App.
Lucknow: Where stories travel across languages, generations and social backgrounds, literature on caste and equality is drawing the attention of young readers. From autobiographies documenting discrimination, to work tracing the history of marginalised communities, Dalit literature has emerged as a significant section at the Gomti Book Festival. Books such as Omprakash Valmiki’s ‘Joothan’, Bama’s ‘Karukku’, and Sharankumar Limbale’s ‘The Outcaste’ are finding readers alongside work, including B R Ambedkar’s ‘Who Were the Shudras?’ and ‘The Untouchables’, as well as literature on the Dalit Panthers movement. The collection also features writings of social reformer Jyotirao Phule, including ‘Gulamgiri’ and ‘Shetkaryacha Asud’, along with works by authors and thinkers who have examined caste, identity, dignity, social justice and resistance. For many students, buying these books is an opportunity to understand experiences different from their own.