History is often seen as a crime scene, filled with distortion, manipulation, and theft. As an artist and an unapologetic Ambedkarite, I view history as a place where the powerful have crafted propaganda to keep us docile and forgetful. The textbooks we were taught in school were not our true past; they were myths created to maintain the status quo. The authors of these textbooks did not speak our language or reflect our reality. They exoticized or dehumanized us, never allowing for a nuanced portrayal of our struggles and achievements.
In response to this erasure of our history, we have taken up various forms of expression to reclaim our narratives. Through songs, sculptures, artworks, and oral traditions, we are writing ourselves into existence. We are not seeking mere inclusion; we are demanding recognition and respect. Dalit History Month, celebrated in April, is not just a token gesture; it is a strategic intervention to disrupt the dominant narrative that erases our contributions and experiences.
During Dalit History Month, we honor not only Dr. B. R. Ambedkar but also lesser-known figures who have played pivotal roles in our history. From Savitribai Phule, who defied societal norms to educate girls, to Jyotiba Phule, who established schools for Dalit students, these individuals have left a lasting impact on our community. We also remember contemporary figures like Grace Banu and Rohith Vemula, who have fought against discrimination and injustice in their own ways.
This month is a time to mourn the countless victims of caste-based violence and systemic neglect. It is a time to remember the unsung heroes who have fought for justice and equality. Our act of remembrance is an act of resistance, a way of reclaiming our power and agency. As we forge ahead, we envision a future not of tolerance but of transformation, not of inclusion but of annihilation of caste. Our aesthetics are political, our memories are maps, and our dreams are blueprints for a better world.
Dalit History Month is not just a month on a calendar; it is a movement in our bones. It is a rewriting of history, a reclaiming of our stories. This time, our voices will not be silenced, our narratives will not be erased. We are standing up, speaking out, and demanding our rightful place in the annals of history.
