Ambedkar’s life in graphic presentation

A distinctive book on Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar’s life titled ‘Bhimayana: Experiences of Untouchability’ was presented here on Tuesday.

Written by S Anand and Srividya Natarajan, the book presents a graphical account of Ambedkar’s life and his experience of growing as an untouchable from his childhood to adult life.

A salient feature of this book is the pictorial presentation of various facets of Ambedkar’s life in Gond art. The narrative pictures are done by award wining Pardhan Gond artists-couple Durgabai Vyam and Subhash Vyam.

Presenting the book the author Mr Anand said, “The book is being released in five different languages at present. I was inspired by the thought that there was no book that threw light on the ideologies and practices of Ambedkar, who is a driving factor in India today.”

He further added, “Very few people know about Ambedkar in India unlike Gandhiji. The point of the book is to also look into the personal life of Ambedkar. There is very little insight of Ambedkar’s engagement in prevention of untouchability.”

Following Anand’s presentation, Principal Fr Ambrose Pinto, spoke on caste dynamics and untouchability in India.

He said, “Untouchability is not the problem of the untouchables; it is the problem of the touchables. Issue of caste is the issue of sick minds and communities. Education has not done anything for the communal identity. Untouchability is the product of Hindu caste system. Efforts to change casteism should come from people like us.”

Earlier, the programme began with the traditional Parai music popular among Dalits. The presentation by writer-journalist Mr Anand explained the pictures relating to the life of Ambedkar. Brought out by his publishing house Navayana, the book sheds lights on the relatively unknown facets of Ambedkar.

- Priyanka S, I M S Com