TAMIL
Social novel
P. SUNDARESAN
ORU DALITH ORU ADHIKAARI ORU MARANAM: K.Panchangam; Kaavya, 16, II Cross Street, Trustpuram, Kodambakkam, Chennai-600024. Rs. 85.
MEDITATIONS ON the causes of the evils in society have yielded this semi-autobiographical novel. It is a chilling story of a powerful Dalit who, while holding the post of a college lecturer, made a successful foray into the civil services.
The eldest son from an impoverished and illiterate family achieving such astonishing feats was a rarity. More so, marrying a highly connected educated girl — her sister's husband was an IAS officer in Hyderabad. Balan who assumed charge, on promotion in New Delhi suddenly expired leaving behind his wife with two kids. Was it a case of suicide? Or, was there any foul play? He was known to be in the habit of putting his foot down when anyone intervened in the dispensation of justice. His death was therefore shrouded in mystery.
From then on, the novel gains momentum. Balan's father was quick to smell a rat. The book penned by Balan's former colleague in the college and intimate friend Panchangam derives importance for the wealth of material it carries. On top is the emphasis on the doctrines of Dr. Ambedkar with his clarion call: "Educate, organise and agitate," which Balan took in right earnest from his college days. Integration of diverse sects under the Scheduled Castes, as advocated by Babasaheb, was another gospel meticulously followed by the hero Balan in choosing his partner in life.
How the author got the source material for this work of fiction makes for interesting reading. He accompanied Balan's younger brother and the advocate who on being allowed by the authorities to probe into the cause of death got some of the priceless dateless diaries and a good number of his letters addressed to his friend. Though the investigation proved futile, the materials handed over to him provided a storehouse of information. The ten chapters with numerous anecdotes bearing on the diaries are a class by themselves. The novel however, ends with a strange twist of fate.
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