Prof. E. Haribabu, Pro-Vice-Chancellor, University of Hyderabad (UoH) inaugurated the two-day National Conference titled “Dalit and Adivasi Literature & Art” organized by the Centre for Dalit & Adivasi Studies and Translation (CDAST), UoH and Centre for Dalit Literature and Art, New Delhi, supported by Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), New Delhi on 2nd May 2013 at the School of Humanities Auditorium.
Dr. A Vidyasagar, IAS, Principal Secretary, Tribal Welfare, Govt. of A.P. was the chief guest for the inaugural session. Dr. Vidyasagar said that in our Indian society lot of discrimination is prevailing in the name of caste, religion, gender etc. Dr. Vidyasagar said that in each village Dalit Wada’s exist where only marginalized section of people live who are excluded from the main stream of the society but, for the past 20 to 30 years these marginalized people are also availing the facilities like education which increases their standard of living. Dr. Vidyasagar said that true or complete development of the society can be possible only through literature without any bias or hatred Today lot of Dalit and Adivasi writings are being published in literature and he suggested that these writings should not be written with hatred and anger.
Prof. Vimal Thorat, School of Humanities, IGNOU, New Delhi appreciated CDAST for organizing this 2nd National Conference on Dalit and Adivasi Art. The first Conference was held at New Delhi. Prof. Thorat said that the time has come to preserve the language of Adivasi’s, their art and culture. Prof. Thorat said that this conference will help the participants and students to closely know about the Dalit and Adivasi’s literature.
Later a book release session followed; Achutavasant book was released which was translated by Prof. V Krishna original writer was Sri Kalyan Rao, Adivasi Samaj a compilation of lectures delivered by Sri Hariram Meena at UoH and Globalization and Adivasi edited by Prof. V Krishna and Dr. M N Rajesh.
Earlier in the day an exhibition on Adivasi Art and Culture was organized which was coordinated by Sri Savindra Sawarkar, Prof. Jayadheer Thirumal Rao and Sri G. Ramulu.
The inaugural session was followed by sessions on ‘Dalit Narratives: Socio-Cultural Contexts’, ‘Discussion on Dalit & Advasi Literature in Telugu’, ‘Dalit Art: Socio-Political Contexts’, ‘Performance by Dalit Artists’ and ‘Dalit Narratives: Socio-Cultural Contexts’.
On 3rd May 2013 sessions on ‘Adivasi Languages, Literature & Art’, ‘Adivasi Literature: Issues and Challenges’, ‘Resistance and Adivasi Art’ will be held which will be followed by a performance of Adivasi Artists.
Prof. V. Krishna, Coordinator, CDAST gave a brief introduction about the activities of the Centre and the Conference while Dr. Bhimsingh, Coordinator of the Conference proposed a vote of thanks.