City-based Dalit writer and poet Umesh Solanki celebrates Ambedkar Jayanti by releasing a new book every year. So far Solanki has released two books and on Sunday he is going to launch his third book.
Solanki said choosing Ambedkar Jayanti is his dedication towards the father of the Indian Constitution. "He devoted his life for the nation. He has brought a revolution in society. I want to give something to the person who has done so many things for our social fabric. I am doing my bit for making a better society," said the writer.
The write had dedicated his first book to Ambedkar on April 14, 2017. 'Ferfar' (changes) in Gujarati is a research-based novel while the second book, which was released a year after, is a collection of poems titled 'Premkavyo' (love songs).
On Sunday, he is releasing his third book, 'Maati' (Sand) which has bit experimental in a sense it contains life sketches. "It is not fiction. The stories are about Dalits and Adivasis most of them living in the tribal belt of the state," remarked Solanki.
Before writing about the people, the writer had spent quality time with them in their respective villages. "Generally, Dalit literature written so far talks about the misery of the people. What I am writing is not a feature but a balance and about the joy of life. Generally, other Dalit literature is a report of what has happened in an individual's life. My writings depict search for a better society and better living," Solanki.
The writer sells his title every year at the open fair which is held near Sarangpur water tank. He never sells his book elsewhere, though he is getting a response from word of mouth. More than 1,000 copies of his first book have been sold and 500 for the second book.
ANNUAL AFFAIR
The writer sells his title every year at an open fair which is held near Sarangpur water tank. He never sells his book elsewhere. More than 1,000 copies of his first book have been sold and 500 for the second book.
