Fakira - by Anna Bhau Sathe (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Dalit literature particularly fiction, autobiography and poetry has emerged as a vital modern literary force in India. The scope and richness of this literature is brilliantly exemplified by novels like Fakira which is the landmark novel in the foundation of Dalit literature in India. Authors like Anna Bhau Sathe illustrate experiences of caste discrimination, untouchability, and Dalit subjugation. The undaunted and ceaseless battle of the protagonist Fakira for the collective welfare of his community forms the core of the narrative. He revolts against the rural orthodox caste system and the British Raj to save his village from utter starvation, humiliation and death.

About the Author

Anna Bhau Sathe (Author)
Anna Bhau Sathe is an illustrious Indian Dalit author, folk poet, staunch humanist and social reformer from India. National integration, unified and glorified Maharashtra, identity politics, class and caste struggle, eradication of caste, women's and tribal issues were some of the broad areas his mighty pen covered. Despite lacking any formal education, Sathe, the man of letters, produced 35 novels including Fakira (1959), which presently is in 46th edition and received 'Best Novel Award' from Government of Maharashtra. His 35 novels, a Travelogue: My Journey to Russia, 15 collections of short stories, 12 screenplays, 10 ballads including Ballad of Stalingrad, Ballad of Nanking, and Ballad of Berlin have gained a huge popularity locally and globally. Many of Anna Bhau's works have been translated in world languages. His novels Chitra, Fakira, short story Sultan, Khaprya Chor (A Balck Thief) have been translated in Russian, Police, Czech and many pan Indian languages.

Baliram Gaikwad (Translator)
Dr. Baliram Gaikwad is presently working as Registrar (I/C) of University of Mumbai and has served as Vice Principal and Head Department of English at N. G. Acharya and D. K. Marathe College Chembur, Mumbai for twenty two years. As Fulbright Post-Doctoral Fellow in University of Florida, he has accomplished Post Doctorate in 2013 and achieved Ph. D. in English from Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University, Maharashtra, India. Along with 22 years of teaching experience in English Literature at undergraduate and 15 years of Post-graduation level, he also guides Ph.D. scholars at University of Mumbai. Three researchers have acquired PhD under his guidance whereas five more are pursuing research work with him. Besides college administration as Vice Principal he has also shouldered responsibility as District Coordinator at the 50th Youth Festival of University of Mumbai.