West Bengal has no ‘jaatiwad’: Manoranjan Byapari

Sat Jan 17 08:12:29 UTC 2026: ### Dalit Voice Amplified at The Hindu Lit for Life 2026: Manoranjan Byapari Reflects on Life and Literature

The Story:

Bengali Dalit author Manoranjan Byapari shared his life story and literary insights at The Hindu Lit for Life 2026 on Saturday, January 17, 2026. In conversation with Meenakshi Thakur, Byapari discussed his journey from a refugee and former convict to a celebrated author of 27 books. He highlighted the importance of representing marginalized communities in literature, particularly Dalits, whose experiences are often overlooked. Byapari’s work focuses on the struggles and resilience of rootless individuals in West Bengal, drawing inspiration from his own experiences and encounters.

Byapari emphasized the role of Mahasweta Devi in encouraging him to chronicle his life and the significance of The Hindu Literary Prize in 2017 for “Interrogating My Chandal Life,” which provided him with recognition and opportunities. He also touched upon his time in jail, viewing it as a harsh but valuable learning experience, and his current role as a TMC MLA, which he is prepared to leave to return to writing.

Key Points:

• Manoranjan Byapari, a prominent Dalit author from Bengal, spoke at The Hindu Lit for Life 2026.
• He discussed his life journey from a refugee to an acclaimed author.
• Byapari highlighted the underrepresentation of Dalit experiences in Bengali literature.
• His book, “Nowhere People,” challenges dominant narratives prevalent in Bengal.
• He credits Mahasweta Devi and The Hindu Literary Prize for pivotal moments in his career.
• Byapari currently serves as a TMC MLA but is prepared to return to writing full-time.

Key Takeaways:

• The Hindu Lit for Life provides a platform for marginalized voices, fostering discussions on social issues and literary representation.
• Manoranjan Byapari’s story exemplifies the power of literature to shed light on the experiences of marginalized communities.
• The event underscores the importance of recognizing and celebrating diverse perspectives within Indian literature.
• Byapari’s personal narrative of overcoming adversity serves as an inspiration.

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