Renowned author, retired IAS officer, and esteemed politician, P. Sivakami, was recently honored with the Verchol Dalit Literary Award and a generous cash prize of ₹1 lakh from the Neelam Cultural Centre, established by acclaimed filmmaker Pa. Ranjith. The award ceremony was a momentous occasion, marked by profound reflections and passionate speeches that underscored the significance of Dalit literature in shaping societal narratives and challenging existing power structures.
During her acceptance speech, Ms. Sivakami expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing that the award symbolized not just an accolade but also a call to action. “This is about being in the mainstream. We are serious thinkers who want to change society. We are not the ones on the periphery,” she remarked, highlighting the evolving landscape of Dalit voices in contemporary literary circles. Reflecting on the progress made over the years, she noted, “Ten years ago, we couldn’t see a gathering like this. But today, I feel so happy seeing so many Dalit poets. Creating a space like this will nurture others.”
Delving into the contentious nature of Dalit literature, Ms. Sivakami acknowledged the inherent challenges and opposition faced by writers in this genre. “I used to think that I am sitting in a room and writing a story with beautiful aesthetics. But, I am actually fighting with so many people whose faces I don’t know. I have made many enemies,” she revealed, shedding light on the complex interplay between art, activism, and identity within the Dalit literary sphere. Emphasizing the transformative power of language, she added, “Dalit literature has created a fear in them [caste Hindus]… about their domination, aesthetics, their pass-time. It is time they understood that we are not threatening them, but that we are claiming our rights.”
In a poignant moment, Ms. Sivakami also touched upon the significance of writing in English, highlighting the broader reach and impact of her work across diverse audiences. Her words resonated with the audience, underscoring the importance of linguistic diversity and accessibility in promoting inclusive narratives that challenge prevailing norms and narratives.
Filmmaker Pa. Ranjith, in his tribute to Ms. Sivakami, lauded her multifaceted contributions to literature, politics, and cinema, noting her unwavering commitment to asserting her Dalit identity in public spaces. “She has been involved in so many fields, but she has always asserted her Dalit identity in public. It is not an easy choice… Doing so will bring only slander rather than criticism and appreciation. Her work instills a lot of hope,” he remarked, reflecting on the courage and resilience required to navigate multiple spheres while staying true to one’s roots.
Furthermore, Mr. Ranjith highlighted the challenges faced by Scheduled Caste government officials in advocating for the community’s interests, pointing to a pervasive culture of fear and reluctance to speak out. “There is a culture of fear among government officials… the kind of work done by her is commendable. Many officials tell me in private that I am doing a great work, but I tell them to use their power and do something. Not just the government officials, but even those who have used reservations in political representation find it difficult to speak for Dalits,” he observed, underscoring the need for greater advocacy and representation within institutional frameworks.
As the evening concluded with a sense of shared purpose and solidarity, the profound impact of Ms. Sivakami’s words reverberated throughout the audience, inspiring a renewed sense of urgency and commitment to advancing the cause of Dalit literature and social justice. Her unwavering dedication to amplifying marginalized voices and challenging systemic inequalities serves as a beacon of hope for future generations, fostering a legacy of resilience, creativity, and empowerment in the face of adversity.
