Documenting the heroic struggle of Dalit women

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru

 The Kannada translation of We Also Made History: Women in the Ambedkarite Movement, a book detailing the history of women’s participation in the Dalit rights movement led by BR Ambedkar, was launched in the city on Sunday. Originally written and edited in Marathi by Urmila Pawar and Meenakshi Moon, and published in 1989, the book was translated to Kannada by Du Saraswati. The English translation of the book by Wandana Sonalkar came out in 2008.

 Regarding the translation, Du Saraswati said, “If one asked me to choose between writing and carrying out ground work, I would choose the latter. But if one wants to take the legacy of Ambedkar forward, there is a need to write, think and discuss.” Citing the example of Bilkis Bano, she said, “During the times when atrocities against women are being celebrated, the lowest in the hierarchy – the Dalit women, have the ability to be the guiding light to justice. This was the message I wanted to put forth.”

The book is divided into two sections: the first is a historical analysis of the participation and role of women in the Ambedkar movement, and of previous Dalit struggles in the twentieth century. The second part of the book comprises interviews and brief biographies of 44 Dalit women. It is described as a treasure to Dalit feminist studies for laying open critical issues.

 Retired Vice-Chancellor of Karnataka State Akkamahadevi Women’s University, Sabhiha Bhoomigowda, highlighted the modesty of the women that have been featured in the book. “They were women who worked towards empowerment, while simultaneously dealing with the responsibilities that come along with the stereotype of being a woman,” she said. “Ambedkar was a figure who bridged the gap between intellectualism and activism when it comes to women. What is the point of all the knowledge in the world if you are not actively choosing to do anything about it?” said Peer Bhasha, writer and thinker. Rama Teltumbde, wife of Anand Teltumbde and g randdaughter of BR Ambedkar was the chief guest at the event.

“Even after so many years of its publication, the translation of the book is very necessary. It is a must read for each one living in this land to gain inspiration and move forward. Baba Saheb has done as much to women as he has done for society,” she said. “Even the Dalit community is male-dominated and a real tribute to Baba Saheb will be given, when women take their stand and dominate,” she said. Solidarity with Teltumbde The event also showcased solidarity with Teltumbde, who has been incarcerated for around 2.5 years now.

“Ramabhai has been seeing Anand one day in a week for 10 minutes for the past years. He is not sitting idle in prison but continues to read and write. He says he’s fine when asked and needs nothing more than solidarity,” Saraswati said and added that the launch is also a form of showcasing solidarity with the 73-year-old Teltumbde, who is lodged in Taloja jail in Maharashtra.

 Teltumbde along with 15 other activists, including Gautam Navalakha, Rona Wilson and others, has been charged with waging war against the nation. Among the accused, Jesuit priest Stan Swamy died at a private hospital in Mumbai last year