From Ignorance to Empowerment: Education’s Role in Sujatha Gidla’s Ants Among Elephants

Authors

  • Komal Rathee Chandigarh University, India
  • Smarika Pareek Chandigarh University, India

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/c72mhe88

Keywords:

Keywords- Caste, Suppression, Equality, Dalit, Intersectionality, Minority.

Abstract

This research paper mainly focuses on Sujatha Gidla’s Ants Among Elephants, which thoroughly explores the systematic oppression and tenacity prevalent in the Indian social structure, specifically focusing on the caste system. The comprehensive study analyses how personal decisions and environmental constraints determine identity in the context of extensive societal hierarchy. Gidla, from an academic perspective, explores the significant impact of education in promoting empowerment and upward social mobility among marginalised communities. Inspired by Indian scholars who take an interdisciplinary approach to Dalit feminism and by the lens through which Hooks interprets Black feminism. Using intersectionality, this study investigates how caste, gender, and socioeconomic issues affect Dalits in the caste system scenario to highlight their marginalization.

Author Biographies

  • Komal Rathee, Chandigarh University, India

    KOMAL RATHEE is a research scholar currently pursuing her PhD at Chandigarh University. She has successfully qualified for the Junior Research Fellowship (JRF) through the National Eligibility Test (NET) Dec -2022, showcasing her academic excellence and potential for high-level research. Her research interests are deeply rooted in marginalized studies, ecocritical studies, and gender. Email: ratheekomal99@gmail.com

  • Smarika Pareek, Chandigarh University, India

    SMARIKA PAREEK, Ph.D., is a Professor in the Department of English at Chandigarh University, she holds an M. Phil and Ph.D. from the prestigious University of Rajasthan, specializing in Postcolonial Literature, African literature, and Cultural Studies. With over 11 years of teaching experience and active participation in national and international conferences, Dr Smarika's academic work reflects a deep engagement with cultural and postcolonial studies. Email: smarika.uila@cumail.in

References

Béteille, A. (2012) Caste, class and power changing patterns of stratification in a Tanjore village. New Delhi Oxford University Press.

Crenshaw, Kimberle.(1991) “Mapping the Margins: Intersectionality, Identity Politics, and Violence against Women of Color.” Stanford Law Review,43(6). 1241–1299. JSTOR, https://www.jstor.org/stable/1229039

Gidla, S. (2017) Ants among Elephants. Harper Collins.

Gidla, S. (2019. Feb, 19) “How Sujatha Gidla Paid the Bills While She Wrote the Book.” Interview by Mike Gardner. www.medium.com/s/day-job/sujatha-gidla-day-job-interviewwriting-cd3008f94d88.

Gidla, S. (2018. April, 16) “Sujatha Gidla Times of India, RSS 2018.” YouTube, uploaded by Sujatha Gidla. www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOSWvKpj6YY&t=208s.

Guru, G. (1995) “Dalit Women Talk Differently.” Economic and Political Weekly, 2548–2550. JSTOR. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4403327

Hooks, B. (1992) Black Looks: Race and Representation. South End P.

Hooks, B. (1995) Killing Rage: Ending Racism. Henry Holt.

Hooks, B. (1984) Feminist Theory: From Center to Margin. South End P.

Pan, A. (2020) Mapping Dalit Feminism: Towards an Intersectional Standpoint. Sage.

Rege, S. (1998) “Dalit Women Talk Differently: A Critique of ‘Difference’ and Towards a Dalit Feminist Standpoint Position.” Economic and Political Weekly,33(44), WS39–WS46. JSTOR. www.jstor.org/stable/4407323.

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Published

2024-10-30

Issue

Vol. 8 No. 2 (2024): Journal of Underrepresented & Minority Progress

Section

Articles