Lecture on Dalit aesthetics held at Punjabi University

Tribune News Service

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Patiala, August 5

The Department of English at Punjabi University, Patiala, under the aegis of the English Literary Society, organised a special lecture today titled ‘Towards an Understanding of Dalit Aesthetics: Texts and Contexts.’ The lecture was delivered by Professor Raj Kumar from the Department of English at the University of Delhi.

Professor Raj Kumar, a scholar with extensive research in Dalit literature, Indian writing in English, Oriya literature, and post-colonial studies, was introduced to the audience by Dr Jyoti Puri, Head of the Department of English and the event’s convener. In her welcome address, Dr Jyoti Puri highlighted Professor Raj Kumar’s significant contributions to the field and his dedication to exploring and advocating for Dalit literature and aesthetics.

In his lecture, Professor Raj Kumar provided a comprehensive overview of the history of Dalit Aesthetics, tracing its roots from ancient caste laws and customs that systematically denied education to Dalits, particularly women. He emphasized the contributions of pioneering anti-caste intellectuals like Jyotiba Phule and Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar in the fight against caste-based discrimination and oppression.

However, it was only in the nineteenth century that the idea of Dalit articulation began in a systematic manner with the Dalit Panthers movement. He delved into various literary forms, including poetry, fiction, autobiography, and criticism, demonstrating how these forms encapsulate Dalit aesthetics. He argued that conventional literary criticism often fails to fully capture the essence of Dalit sensibility and life experiences.