Self-actualization of Dalit woman and narration as a strategy for transition

An analysis of Bama's works

Abstract

The practice of untouchability was formally outlawed and considered as illegal by the constitution of India in 1950 but in practice, Dalits are still subjected to extreme forms of social and economic exclusion and discrimination. Dalit Literature reflects real designs of feeling, thought, and action, including outlines of expressions and Society’s unconscious and conscious assumptions. In post-Independence India, Dalit literature is one of the most important literary movements. It innovates, giving expression to emerging identity crisis that many not yet be definable in literal terms. Here the author tries to explore the transitional ideas and perspectives propagated by Bama to establish Dalit identity as human identity, highlighting the problems and solutions as texted in her works. The author explains the needs for creative interference to enlarge the power and  capacity for change, because it helps for  a paradigm shift from silent passivity to productive resistance of the Dalits, which will in due course, transform them to adore in  better social status, privilege and consideration.