The Department of Literature and Languages at SRM University-AP organised a thought-provoking guest talk titled “Caste of Partition: Understanding Bengali Dalit Literature” on April 02, 2025. The event featured Dr Mrinmoy Pramanick, a distinguished scholar, Sahitya Akademi Award winner (2023), and Assistant Professor at the Department of Comparative Indian Language and Literature, University of Calcutta.
Dr Pramanick delivered an insightful lecture examining the complex relationship between caste, Partition, and Bengali Dalit literature. He quoted the historical trajectory of Partition, the Bangladesh Liberation War of 1971, which had a profound impact on Bengali Dalits, who faced displacement and marginalisation. He highlighted how Dalit experiences of Partition differ significantly from mainstream narratives. In his own words, “Dalit literature gave a new dimension to Bengali Partition History.”
The lecture also explored the representation of Partition in Bengali Dalit literature, focusing on notable works such as Sroter Sange by Narayan Gangopadhyay, Kundika by Samaresh Doshu, and Sokal Belar Alo by Shankar Mahadevan. Dr Pramanick emphasised how these literary works illuminate the challenges faced by Dalit refugees, including economic struggles, social discrimination, and identity crises. He also examined the influence of Ambedkarite ideologies in Bengali literature, especially in educational reforms, the establishment of institutions bearing Ambedkar’s name, and the translation and publication of his writings in Bengali. Dr Pramanick’s discussion underscored the transformative power of Dalit literature, stating, “It made history inclusive and for all.”
The session concluded with a highly engaging Q&A segment, where students, faculty members, and researchers actively participated. The discussion covered the role of caste consciousness in literary narratives, the socio-political impact of migration, gender roles, and the integration of Dalit literature into contemporary academia. Dr Pramanick’s responses offered deeper insights into marginalised perspectives on Partition and the significance of inclusive historical discourse.
Dr Mrinmoy Pramanick’s guest lecture was an intellectually enriching experience that provided a new perspective on the study of Partition through the lens of Bengali Dalit literature. The event successfully fulfilled its objective of fostering academic dialogue and promoting critical engagement with the socio-cultural dimensions of Partition and caste.
