Om Prakash Valmiki was a prominent Indian Dalit writer and poet whose work powerfully illuminated the experiences of discrimination faced by the Dalit community. Through his writings, he chronicled the deeply ingrained prejudices and suffering endured by Dalits in Indian society, offering a raw and honest portrayal of personal trauma and collective struggle. Valmiki's literary significance lies in his ability to give voice to a marginalized group, challenging social injustices and advocating for dignity and recognition. His writing serves as a vital testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of systemic oppression.
Dalits constitute about one sixth of India's population. Spread over the entire country, and belonging to many religions, they have become a major political force. As a document of the long silenced and long denied sufferings of the Dalits, this work presents a manifesto for the revolutionary transformation of society and human consciousness.