National Conference on Dr.

BR Ambedkar and Ideological Journalism at

Telangana University, January 29-31, 2020

Dalit and Bahujan Periodicals in Telugu: Notes from an Ambedkarite perspective

Pasunoori Ravinder
Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Hyderabad
drpasunuri@gmail.com
+917702648825
Abstract:

This paper attempts to look at the ideological and philosophical discourses of Dalit and
Bahujan periodicals published in Telugu language. Given the ownership patterns of
mainstream Telugu media, which were wrested by the oppressive and dominant castes in the
Telugu speaking states (Andhra Pradesh and Telangana), an understanding of the narratives
and themes that emerge out of the Dalit and Bahujan periodicals is rudimentary to carry
forward the ideal of enlightenment proposed by Gautama Buddha and furthered by
Babasaheb Dr B.R. Ambedkar among other Dalit and Bahujan luminaries. The following is a
context that highlights the significance of the study.

The southern part of the country from Vindhyas is known for socio-cultural movements.
More popular as Dravida Desa, South India, was home to anti-Brahmin movements and
Bahujan cultural movements against the oppressive Brahmanical orders levitating the
depressed classes in the society. The lives and works of Basaweswara, Vemana, Palakurti
Somana, and Potuluri Veerabrahmendra Swamy were cases in point. Hundreds of years ago,
at a time when society was ridden with the a rigid caste system followed by Brahmanical
scriptures, all of them spoke of the principles of equality and believed in the emancipation of
the depressed and downtrodden castes and communities along with women.

Carrying the same spirit forward, E.V. Ramaswami Naicker or Periyar in Tamil Nadu,
Narayana Guru in Kerala attempted to liberate the depressed classes.

However, it was Babasaheb and his thought (Ambedkarism) that offered a philosophical basis
for the ideals propagated by the above mentioned social reformers. It should be noted that
Ambedkar and his philosophical thoughts emerged from Gautama Buddha, who preached:
Bahujana Hitaaya; Bahujana sukhaaya, to Sant Ravidas, Sant Chokhamela, Sant Kabir Das.
In the modern times, this socio-cultural revolutionary strand can be traced from Mahatma
Jyotirao Phule to the more recent Bahujan Nayar Kanshi Ram.

Coming to the Telugu-speaking region of the country, the Dalit fraternity carried out a
movement for their Constitutional Rights aftermath the tragic massacres of Chunduru and
 National Conference on Dr. BR Ambedkar and Ideological Journalism at
Telangana University, January 29-31, 2020

Karamchedu. Many Dalit literary figures, poets, and writers contributed to a great extent in
the fight against oppressive castes. This literary and cultural support spread and took the
forms of song, poetry, essays, theatre (dramas and plays), and novels.

The historical necessity of having Dalit and Bahujan media and communication platform was
realised in this backdrop. However, Babasaheb has recognised this urgent requirement and
necessity and started Mook Nayak on January 31, 1920 with an intention to give voice to the
depressed classes and voiceless. Imbibing this spirit, many journals and magazines were
launched in Telugu language as weeklies, fortnightlies, and monthlies. Due to certain
unforeseen reasons, most of them were shutdown.

It must be noted that a majority of monthlies saw light under editors belonging to the Dalit
community. Some of the significant ones were: Undru Subba Rao – Harijan (1933);
Kothapalli Sarala – Bhim Bheri (1989); Kathi Padma Rao – Dalita Rajyam (1994); V.T.
Rajasekhar – Bahujan Samaj & Dalit Voice (1995); K.G. Satyamurti – Eenati Ekalavya
(1996); Ambedkar Educational Society – Sanghamitra (1998); S. Raghupati Rao – Mana
Vani (2001); Duddu Prabhakar – Kula Nirmulana (2001); Dr Yamala Sudarshan – Dalita
Sankharavam (2001); Buddhakori – Bahujana Keratalu (2002); Satyanandam – Dalita
Bahujana Sramika Vimukti (2002); Sakshi Human Rights Watch (Andhra Pradesh) – Sakshi
(2003); Pilli David Kumar – Dalit Commando (2003), Ambedkar Mission members -
Ambedkar Mission (2004); Ch. Vidyasagar (Chief Editor) – Dandora (2008); and L.S. Rao
(Chief Editor) – Arundateya Vani (2008).

By employing a qualitative research method – Critical Discourse Analysis – this paper

attempts to unravel and then discuss the Ambedkarite ideology and philosophical basis extant
in the content of these periodicals and magazines.

Keywords: Dalit, Bahujan, Telugu Periodicals, Ambedkar, Ambedkarite Ideology, social and
identity movements, South India.