Director Pa. Rajith presenting the Verchol Dalit Literary Award to author Bama in Chennai on Sunday.
| Photo Credit: B. VELANKANNI RAJ
Writer and poet Bama, who’s well-known for literary works resembling Karukku, Sangati and Manushi, acquired the Verchol Dalit Literary Award and a money prize of ₹1 lakh from filmmaker Pa. Ranjith on the valedictory of the two-day Verchol Dalit Literary Conclave as a part of the Vaanam Arts Festival 2024 in Chennai on Sunday.
The competition was organised by the Neelam Cultural Centre, based by Mr. Ranjith, to mark Dalit History Month.
Speaking after the screening of a documentary on her life, Ms. Bama mentioned that her life had not been simple, nevertheless it was one thing she selected, and the struggling was value it.
“Recollecting my life through the documentary by Vijay made me both happy and emotional. I have received many awards, but this award is special. It is like a function in my family. We are connected through our traditions and culture. I have had both kalakalappu (happiness)and kalagam (revolt) in my life. At some point in time, we will be lonely. I have no words to thank Pa. Ranjith. But it is also his responsibility and duty,” she mentioned.
Mr. Ranjith mentioned that non-Dalit writers and filmmakers have been unable to replicate the lives of Dalits as a result of they’d by no means tried to know their life.
“I have read works focusing on the lives of Dalits, such as K. Gunasekaran’s Vadu, and the works of writer Imayam. Karukku (writer Bama’s autobiographical novel) was recommended to me, but I didn’t understand it at the time because of the language that was used. When non-Dalit writers write about Dalit women, they often write about their sexual desires. This is true till date. Karukku completely differs from this. It was an eye-opener for me. I could identify the women of my family in Karukku. This is why I think Dalits should create their own stories,” he mentioned.
Mr. Ranjith mentioned that the work being undertaken by the Neelam Cultural Centre was typically unfairly criticised and accused of getting ‘ulterior motives’, including that Ambedkar had additionally confronted comparable slander.
“Dr. Ambedkar’s voice was unique, and he criticised the most influential party then, the Congress. But he was accused of being a British stooge. He was steadfast and uncompromising in his views, and opposed the Hindu religion,” he mentioned.
Poet Sukirtharani, who spoke about Ms. Bama’s works, mentioned, “I learnt humanism from her through her words. I learnt humility from her even after she became a well-known writer.”