Baptism to Dharmantar

About the Book Baptism to Dharmantar is a deeply moving Dalit personal narrative that chronicles the life of a humble individual who grew up in a small village among rustic people and later migrated to the city in pursuit of higher education.

Through this journey, the author Esadas Bhadke offers an unflinching look at the struggles, hardships, and emotional toll of life within an oppressed community. With sincerity and honesty, he portrays the painful realities of Dalit existence-marked by worries, weariness, and social exclusion-while also capturing the transformation of his own mind and heart.

The narrative powerfully reflects the collective experience of Dalit society, exploring themes of resilience, identity, and self-discovery. It details how the author's search for meaning led him to embrace the Buddhist philosophy and the ideology of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, guided by reason, compassion, and a rejection of orthodox religions and superstitions.

Translated into English by P.D. Nimsarkar, this work brings an important voice of Dalit literature to a wider audience, enriching the growing body of translated Dalit autobiographies and self-narratives.

Praise for the Book "This self-narrative into English has enriched the existing Dalit literature in English translation." - B. Rangarao, Former Professor of English, Mumbai University

Why You Should Read This Book

A rare first-person account of Dalit life and struggles.

A journey of personal transformation through education, philosophy, and Ambedkarite thought.

An inspiring story of resilience, empowerment, and breaking free from oppressive traditions.

A vital contribution to Dalit literature in English translation.