Published Paper Details:

The term "subaltern" refers to individuals subjected to subordination based on class, caste, gender, age, office, or other societal hierarchies. Those in subaltern positions often strive to break free from hegemonic structures that confine them. In The White Tiger, Balram Halwai, the protagonist, represents an evolving subaltern who abandons ethical considerations in his quest for power and success. His transformation involves deceit, betrayal, and violence stealing from his employer, undermining fellow workers, engaging in immoral acts, committing murder, and using bribery to evade justice. Although he achieves external liberation, he remains psychologically trapped in subjugation, symbolized by his assumption of a new identity, Ashok Sharma, the very name of his slain master. This study explores how Balram's rise as an entrepreneur embodies the dark reality of crony capitalism, where unethical means are justified by material success. Once an innocent villager, he turns into a self-serving, unscrupulous individual, contributing to a morally degraded environment. In today's globalized world, fostering values such as integrity, honesty, compassion, and perseverance is essential. By prioritizing ethical conduct, true success can be achieved not only in terms of wealth but also in inner fulfilment, social harmony, and collective progress.