sEA ERIE 5 » (DSC-15) = DALIT co» WRITINGS ‘BLACK INK’ BY SANJAYA KUMAR _ .: BAGSanjaya Kumar Bag was born in 1976 in a village where caste was a major part of life. His experiences as a Dalit shaped his worldview and writings. He got his Doctorate from the University of Delhi and now teaches in Bhubaneshwar His father, who was a village Chowkidar, strongly believed in education as a way to overcome caste barriers and had great hope in democracy and learning. His writings focus on Dalit identity and fighting discrimination. AUS sanjaya Kumar Bag has written short story collections like and He has also researched Odia folklore and traditional games, with his NOTES BY ENG HONS HUB___ BLACK INK’ BY SANJAY KUMAR BAG __ ‘BLACK NK’ BY SANJAY KUMAR BAG In this story, the narrator recalls the day India gained independence, and Mahatma Gandhi visited the village to announce the news. The villagers, unfamiliar with terms like "country" and "independence," struggled to understand Gandhi's speech about democracy and elections. The village leader, the Gauntia, later explained Gandhi's message in simple words. Budhadada, the narrator's relative, admired Gandhi deeply but couldn't attend the gathering as he was working in the Gauntia's field. Afterward, Budhadada went to the school at night, collected dust from the spot where Gandhi sat, and smeared it on his forehead, showing his reverence. Although British rule ended, the villagers were still under the Gauntia's control. The Gauntia, a Brahmin outsider appointed by the local king, held immense power, and people worked on his land without pay. When elections came, Budhadada was excited to vote, believing Gandhi might return. He encouraged others to participate, proudly casting his vote and receiving the black ink on his 3|PAGE NOTES BY ENG HONS HUBBLACK INK’ BY SANJAY KUMAR BAG finger. However, despite his hopes, Gandhi never came back to the village. ited the village, the Gauntia was the only one who sat with him and discussed important topics like independence and democracy. Gandhiji praised the Gauntia, which made the villagers respect him even more. During the elections, the Gauntia told everyone to vote for his chosen candidate, claiming it was Gandhiji's message. Since he was the head of the village, no one disobeyed him. He even brought his sacred thread for the villagers to touch as a pledge to vote for his candidate, which amazed them. Budhadada shared how the Gauntia's visit to their neighborhood felt like a sign of independence because no upper-caste person had come there before. The Gauntia also talked to the women, explaining the voting process and bringing a tulsi plant for them to take a vow in front of it. The Dom community felt honored, and the women were happy they could worship Ma Brundabati. Everyone voted for the Gauntia's candidate and continued hoping Gandhiji would return during the elections. 4|PAGE NOTES BY ENG HONS HUB4.3 ONCE AGAIN KRISHNA TOUCHED HE DONKEY’S FEET: THE HONEST] BUSINESSMAN In this part of the story, time has moved forward, and Harisir's son, the Gauntia's nephew, is running in the elections. Like his uncle, he wears white khadi and speaks about democracy and equality. While visiting the Dom community, he asks for food, which shocks them because he is a Brahmin and eating food from Dalits is seen as wrong. Eventually, he is given food, which causes a scandal among the upper castes. Harisir's son defends his actions, saying he wanted to prove that his family does not keep the Doms ignorant. The Gauntia supports him, saying winning the election is more important. Harisir's son wins the election, and the villagers credit Gandhiji's visit for these events. They continue to wait for return, but he never comes back. Sadly, Budhadada passes away without ever meeting Gandhiji, a wish that remains unfulfilled. 4 SNACKS AND TEA, LIQUOR AND) HE GREAT DEMOCR/ On the day of the election, Nari, who had given food to Harisir's son, is seen at the school offering snacks, tea, and ten-rupee NOTES BY ENG HONS HUBnotes to the voters, asking them to vote for Harisir's son. The voting takes place at the same school where Gandhiji once gave his speech. The villagers are happy with the unexpected gifts of snacks and money. Despite this, the people still wait for Gandhiji, hoping he will come again during the elections, but he never returns. In 2004, during the elections, the slogan ‘India Shining’ was popular. Some people believed India was shining like silver or diamonds and would continue to shine and smile. Most villagers z voted for Vajpayee's party, feeling hopeful. However, many others did not see India as shining or smiling. To win these voters, party workers handed out five hundred rupee notes with Gandhiji's image. Sagadia Dadi, shocked by Gandhiji's image on the notes, believed that those running for elections were using magical charms to control Gandhiji’s spirit. He tore up the notes, saying Gandhiji's ghost had returned to trouble them. Pe OEY Ochs) 6|PAGE NOTES BY ENG HONS HUBBLACK INK’ BY SANJAY KUMAR BAG 1. CASTE DISCRIMINATION; Theme: The story focuses on the harsh realities of caste discrimination faced by Dalits in society. Example: The protagonist, who belongs to a lower caste, faces humiliation and exclusion from the upper caste members, showing how deeply caste prejudice affects daily life. 2. SOCIAL INJUSTICE: Theme: The story highlights the social injustice experienced by marginalized communities, particularly in access to education and opportunities. Example: The protagonist is denied basic rights, and the upper caste members use their power to keep the Dalits oppressed, showing how unfair the social system is. 3. THE POWER OF WORDS AND EDUCATION: Theme: The story also emphasizes the importance of education and (represented by “black ink”) in challenging oppression and gaining empowerment. Example: The title, "Black Ink," symbolizes how writing and education can become tools of resistance for the Dalit community, giving them a voice against the injustices they face TIPAGE NOTES BY ENG HONS HUB