Sun Apr 13 18:34:16 UTC 2025: ## Veteran Dalit Writer P. Sivakami Receives Prestigious Literary Award
**Chennai, April 14, 2025** – Retired IAS officer, writer, and politician P. Sivakami was awarded the Verchol Dalit Literary Award on Sunday, receiving a ₹1 lakh cash prize from the Neelam Cultural Centre, founded by filmmaker Pa. Ranjith. The award ceremony celebrated Sivakami’s significant contributions to Dalit literature and her outspoken advocacy for social change.
In her acceptance speech, Ms. Sivakami highlighted the importance of the award not just as an honor, but as a challenge to remain within the mainstream discourse. She emphasized the growth of Dalit literary voices, noting a significant shift from a decade ago. She acknowledged the controversies often sparked by Dalit literature, stating that her writing, while aesthetically pleasing, is fundamentally a fight against systemic oppression. She asserted that Dalit literature challenges the established power structures and calls for a recognition of Dalit rights, not a threat to the dominant culture. Sivakami also discussed the benefits of writing in English for broader reach and impact.
Filmmaker Pa. Ranjith lauded Ms. Sivakami’s unwavering commitment to her Dalit identity throughout her career, spanning writing, public service, and even filmmaking. He criticized the failure of some Scheduled Caste government officials to adequately serve their communities, urging them to utilize their positions of power for positive change. He noted the pervasive fear preventing many, even those who have benefited from reservation policies, from openly advocating for Dalit rights.
First Piper 