Am I A Dalit? by Vijhay Sundar K.G. , K.G. Vijhay Sundar

 Am I A Dalit? by Vijhay Sundar K.G. ,  K.G. Vijhay Sundar

"Am I Dalit?" is a thought-provoking story. It illustrates the life of a brahmin man who falls in love with a Dalit woman. The story illustrates how a small act of compassion can lead to the societal transformations that are needed. 

The story revolves around Vikash and Arundhati. Vikas is a man raised within the rigid boundaries of Brahmin orthodoxy. His life takes an irreversible turn after he crosses paths with Arundhati, a Dalit woman. 

It begins as an act of compassion that slowly transforms into something far more disruptive. The pain of Arundhati and her determination to care for her child gradually moved him. Eating once in two days, she tried to serve her child with a smile and unease of not losing him. 

Vikash tried to protect her from every evil, but during this whole journey, he didn't get to know when he was dragged towards her out of sympathy. Their relationship is not romanticised as a simple rebellion against society; instead, it is portrayed as messy, painful, and deeply consequential.

I really liked how natural the characters felt. They make mistakes, face consequences, and grow with time, which makes them feel real instead of perfect. I admired the innocence of not knowing how to use sanitary napkins when she brought them for the first time. Her facial expressions and awkwardness are vividly depicted.

The author's storyline added even more depth and showed how one generation’s pain can affect another. I also liked that the book makes you think about things society often ignores. His spectacular way of depicting the weirdness of an illiterate woman struggling to raise her child and unaware of common and hygienic needs of a woman.

Overall, it’s a thoughtful and memorable read with strong emotions and meaningful themes that stay with you even after finishing the book.

Purchase here.

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