Published Paper Details:

Om Prakash Valmiki holds a distinguished place in writing Dalit Literature. Dalit Literature generally refers to the specific category of literature that mainly focuses on the experiences, struggles, and social realities of the Dalit Community. The term 'Dalit' originates from Sanskrit 'dala', signifying 'of the soil' or 'rooted in the soil'. In Marathi, it refers to 'dalan' depicting 'being crushed', 'oppressed', or 'broken'. Dalits are individuals who have been oppressed and marginalized for centuries under Indian caste system. The main purpose of Dalit literature is to reveal the sorrows and sufferings of Dalit community and expose the non-Dalit's inhuman treatment towards the former group. Additionally, it also works as an eye-opener for the downtrodden making them realize the true potentials of being human beings. Joothan is a heart rendering autobiography of Om Prakash Valmiki. It is a moving, pathetic tale of the author and his family in particular and of the whole Dalit community in general. The author lays bare before us every detail of his traumatic experiences by describing his whole life. Thus, Om Prakash Valmiki's Joothan is about the journey of a Dalit family struggling for education and status in society. It is also the story of a Dalit family in search of dignity and identity in society through constant resistance in various forms. Valmiki's Joothan describes the poor living condition of the Chuhra Community. Their dwelling place lacks basic civil amenities and sanitation facilities. Their lives are just like pigs in dust and mud. They have to work hard for the upper caste Tyagas who very often ill-treat them and make them work without any pay. As a whole the author portrays the grim, dark realities of the oppressed class and the atrocities inflicted on them by the high caste people. The present paper aims at exploring how Dalits suffer at the hands of non-Dalits. It mainly focuses on how the autobiographer, journeying through hunger, social isolation and extreme humiliation, becomes successful in creating his own identity in society. Indeed, the work Joothan depicts the author's successful though bitterly painful journey towards his self-discovery.