Dr Sushila Takbhaure is a Dalit Hindi writer. In this story, she tells us the life story of a Dalit girl, Siliya.
Siliya’ real name was Shailaja, but her mother and father called her ‘Siliya’ or ‘Sillo Rani’ out of love. Siliya was untouchable and she was studying for her matric exam. She was not only good at studies but also sports and games. She was the captain of her school’ kho-kho team.
Siliya belonged to a low caste. She very well knew the social status and respect that was given to untouchables. Although she was young in age, she was well versed with the social customs.
Once, there was an advertisement in the newspaper, ‘Nayi Duniya’, that a well-known youth leader from Bhopal wanted to marry a Dalit girl who had passed matric exam. The advertisement asked people to contact the youth leader with information about the girl’ parents, their address and other details. The townsfolk and relatives all advised Siliya’ parents to send her photograph and other information. However, Siliya’ parents did not want to marry her right then. It was their wish that Siliya completes her higher studies and earn a name for herself in society. It was also Siliya’ wish that she study as much as possible.
Siliya had been insulted by many people during her school days. She wanted to remedy this sad and pitiable situation of the untouchables. She also wanted to uplift the Dalit community. She wanted to live with her head held high.
Somehow, with great effort, Siliya managed to obtain higher education. She did not get married. She became a member of the ‘Dalit Mukti Andolan’. For nearly twenty years Siliya worked day and night for the betterment and upliftment of Dalits. She became a renowned writer, orator and a hardworking member of the Dalit Mukti Andolan. Due to her tireless and unending efforts, she became a well-known national Dalit leader.
A felicitation program was held to honour Siliya in the country’* capital, Delhi. Siliya was honoured by the minister. The congregation reverberated with the sound of applause. A sense of victory could be seen on the face of the Dalit woman Siliya.
