Abstract
We deeply mourn the sad demise of dalit scholar and activist sociologist, Gail Omvedt, who passed away on 25 August 2021. Born in Minneapolis in the USA in 1941, her dedication to studying Indian society during the course of her own ongoing academic work brought her to India, where she ultimately settled down. In 1983 she became an Indian citizen.
Gail was a prolific writer with a deep sense of commitment to the cause of the oppressed. Her scholarship was rooted in the non-Brahmin Phule-Ambedkarite tradition. Significantly, Eleanor Zelliot, the noted Dalit scholar and authority on Ambedkar studies, had been her teacher at Carleton College in the USA.
Over the years, Gail developed a firm critique of the Hindu Brahminical system and contributed immensely to the field of dalit studies. Her writings encompassed the wide range of issues of caste, class, gender and agrarian politics that have been unique in many senses. Any scholar working in the field of dalit studies cannot bypass the writings of Gail. Very effectively she combined her scholarship with activism. Along with Bharat Patankar, Gail Omvedt set up the socio-political organization, Shramik Mukti Dal in 1980 to address the issues of farmers and others toiling on land in Maharashtra, an organization which in course of time took up the cause of those affected by dams, drought and project evictions, besides fighting caste-based oppressions. Her absence will remain an irreparable loss for both the academia and marginal people struggling for their rights. Over years to come her works will live on to inspire many.
In this number of the journal, we have taken up articles that deal with issues of dalit education, environment and the performing arts, identity and healthcare of the marginalized. We also place before the readers several book reviews that we are sure will generate interest of the reader.
Last but not the least, we wish to remind our readers that the views expressed in the articles are those of the respective authors and the Editorial Board is in no way accountable for them.