Breaking the silence: Dalit experiences and the quest for equality in Om Prakash Valmiki’s Joothan

This study critically examines Om Prakash Valmiki’s autobiography Joothan as a powerful narrative of Dalit experiences, social injustice, and the struggle for equality in caste-based Indian society. The objective is to explore how Valmiki’s life story documents systemic discrimination while serving as a testimony of resilience and self-determination. The work is analyzed through thematic exploration, socio-historical context, and autobiographical authenticity, highlighting the intersection of caste and class oppression. The methodology involves a close textual analysis of Joothan, supported by contextual references from Dalit literature, historical records, and scholarly commentary, particularly situating the narrative within the larger framework of Dalit consciousness and political activism. The results underscore that Valmiki’s journey—from a marginalized childhood marked by humiliation, poverty, and exclusion, to becoming an educated, vocal advocate of Dalit rights—mirrors the collective struggles of his community. His portrayal of social hypocrisy, economic exploitation, and cultural marginalization is both deeply personal and politically charged. The text captures the physical and psychological toll of caste oppression while revealing education and activism as tools of liberation. The conclusion affirms Joothan as not only an autobiography but also a socio-political document, offering a potent critique of entrenched caste structures. Valmiki’s narrative bridges personal suffering with collective resistance, making it an essential work in understanding Dalit literature, identity politics, and the ongoing fight for social justice in India.