QUEST FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT OF AN IDENTITY IN NARENDRA JADHAV’S OUTCASTE, A MEMOIR THROUGH THE LENS OF AMBEDKAR

Abstract

One of the distinctive characteristics of India is its caste ridden society. Dalits are known as Shudras and therefore designated as untouchables. This marginalized subaltern community has long been suffering from identity crisis. They have been searching their identity with the periods of time either by embracing other faiths or by revolting against the Varna strata that exists in Hindu religion. Some prominent social reformers like Jyotiba Phule, Sabitribai Phule, Ambedkar and on fight for the equal rights and identity for the Dalits. Being a dalit Ambedkar makes himself educated and becomes the former of Indian constitution. He runs number of movements to dismantle the caste system and untouchability in India. Narendra Jadhav’s Outcaste, A Memoire, is a dramatic piece of writing which underscores the struggles of Damu and his offerings for quest of identity. Damu takes part actively in the every dalit movements and activities organized by Ambedkar. He is deeply inspired by the slogan ‘educate, unite and agitate’ given by Ambedkar. He provides well education to his children who rise their position in their chosen careers and also succeed to find their identity and space in the Indian society. Dalit people have their own voice for claiming their identity through their own literature which ascertains that subaltern can also speak.