GNS New Delhi Dt.20
Dr Prachi Priyanka releases her book titled “Caste, Class and Gender in Modern Indian Literature” at the International Conference on ‘Literature and Trans disciplinarity’ organized by School of Humanities and Social Sciences, Sharda University on 18th September, 2021. The book was released in the presence of Dr Anviti Gupta, Associate Dean and Professor, Psychology and Dr Pramod Kumar, Associate Professor and Head of the Department, English who congratulated Dr Prachi for her hard work and commitment towards academics. Dr Prachi thanked all the faculty, friends, colleagues and students for their warmth and support. She dedicated the book to all her students. Addressing them in her talk, she said: “It is because of you students that this book could take shape . Your questions and new ways of looking at things gave new perspectives to the entire discussions – that’s how new thoughts emerge!” She later explained that the book explores intersectional aspects of caste, class and gender in India that contribute to the multiple marginalities and oppressions of lower castes, with particular reference to Dalits, Muslims and women. It looks at their everyday lived realities within and across diverse social and political contexts – education systems, labor communities and politics of representation. Referencing such iconic works from Indian literature as Mahasweta Devi’s Breast Stories, Ismat Chughtai’s Lihaaf and Amrita Pritam’s Pinjar among others – the book attempts an engaging discourse on the issues of Dalits, women, tribals and the under-privileged sections of the society. It looks specifically at how caste, class and gender work in extricable ways to reinforce patriarchy and perpetuate inequalities through the institutionalization of roles designed for women, manifested in modern forms. When asked, why another book on caste, Dr Prachi replied: “Dr Ambedkar said that caste is a notion, a state of the mind. And hence we need more books that can stir and stimulate our thinking and work towards bringing about a change in mindsets, and in-turn, in the society. And so, for all who believe in the power of literature and strife towards equality in all aspects – it becomes imperative for us to engage with the question of caste, class and gender because sadly it continues to marginalize and dehumanize contemporary India.” The book is published by Authorspress and is available on Amazon. Dr Prachi is Assistant Professor, Department of English at Sharda University, Greater Noida.
