Bhimayana  (English, Paperback, Vyam Durgabai)

Bhimayana: Experiences Of Untouchability is a strong look at the struggles of the dalit leader Bhimrao Ambedkar interspersed with the real face of caste as it still exists in independent India.

Summary Of The Book

Bhimayana: Experiences Of Untouchability is the story of Bhim, a dalit boy and how he faces the ostracisation in the society. It is skillfully woven with illustrations that enhance the experience of reading it.

Divided into three books, it deals with the experiences of Dr. Ambedkar as a child, as a young adult and as the leader of the dalit movement later on.

The first book titled Water, is set in the village where Bhim lived as a child. It describes his experiences growing up as he struggles to come to terms with his untouchable status, posing questions and mulling over answers which are not there.

The second book titled Shelter, takes us into his young adulthood, where he is returning from Columbia University with an education in hand to Baroda. It encases the existence of the caste system still prevalent in the country leading to harrowing experiences which make him drop his plans.

The third book titled Travels, is about the time when Bhim establishes himself as a leader of the dalit movement. The trials and tribulations faced by him even as an established leader still struggling for equality is the flavour of this book.

A truly poignant and hard hitting revelation of the malice of the caste system, this book with its unique and moving illustrations and narrations brings across the life and struggle of Bhimrao Ambedkar. It is being hailed as a must read for every conscientious Indian.

About The Authors

Srividya Natarajan was born in Chennai and now lives in Canada. She teaches English in the University of Western Ontario.

Taking Charge of Our Bodies and No Onions Nor Garlic are the other works by her.

She holds a Ph.D in English. She has illustrated children’s books for Orient Longman and a few others. Natarajan also directed a documentary called Silambakoodam.

S. Anand is an editor at Navayana, a publishing house. He was the recipient of the International Young Publishing Entrepreneur Award of 2007.

A believer of Buddhist ideals and highly motivated by Ambedkar’s struggle, he co-founded Navayana, his publication house, which is dedicated to highlight the struggle of caste barriers in India.

Durgabai Vyam is a Gond artist. She received the IGNCA Scholarship in 2006-07. She has presented her works in many art exhibitions in India.

Subhash Vyam is also a Gond artist from Madhya Pradesh. He was given the Rajya Hastha Shilpa Puraskar in 2002.