Shailaja Paik: A Pioneer in Dalit Studies

Shailaja Paik, a distinguished Indian-American professor and historian, has made history by becoming the first Dalit recipient of the prestigious MacArthur Fellowship, often referred to as the “genius grant.” Awarded by the MacArthur Foundation, this honor comes with a substantial grant of $800,000 intended to support individuals who demonstrate extraordinary creativity and potential in their respective fields.

Paik’s groundbreaking research focuses on the intersection of caste, gender, and sexuality, particularly concerning Dalit women in India. Her work not only sheds light on the struggles faced by these marginalized communities but also emphasizes their resilience and agency in the face of systemic discrimination.

In her recent statements following the award announcement, Paik expressed her hope that this recognition would encourage non-Dalits to stand in solidarity with Dalits against caste, gender, and racial discrimination. She highlighted the historical sacrifices made by Dalits for social justice and called for collective action to address these ongoing issues. Paik’s scholarship has significantly contributed to Dalit studies, providing new insights into how gender and sexuality intersect with caste dynamics to perpetuate discrimination against Dalit women. Her research draws from a rich array of sources, including oral histories and ethnographic interviews, which she plans to archive for future scholarship.

Paik’s notable publications include her first book, Dalit Women’s Education in Modern India: Double Discrimination, which explores the educational challenges faced by Dalit women. Her second book, The Vulgarity of Caste: Dalits, Sexuality, and Humanity in Modern India, examines the lives of Tamasha performers-Dalit women who navigate societal stigma while asserting their cultural identity through performance art. Through her work, Paik aims to illuminate the complex realities of Dalit women’s lives and challenge prevailing narratives that marginalize their experiences.

The MacArthur Fellowship is a significant acknowledgment not only of Paik’s individual contributions but also of the broader struggles faced by the Dalit community. As she embarks on this new chapter with the support of the fellowship, Shailaja Paik remains committed to advancing social justice and fostering a deeper understanding of caste-related issues both in India and globally. Her journey exemplifies how dedicated scholarship can challenge entrenched social norms and contribute to meaningful change in society.

Danayya Mingling with KGF Director for What?

Recently, during the success celebrations of Jr. NTR’s film Devara, director Prashanth Neel and producer DVV Danayya were spotted mingling and discussing something. This interaction has sparked rumors among fans that Danayya might be setting up a collaboration between Prashanth Neel and Ram Charan.

Given Neel’s success with the KGF franchise, many are excited about the possibility of him directing a film featuring Charan. Even though those rumours came earlier, Prabhas locked Neel for “Salaar” while Mythri Movie Makers brought him in for NTR’s project, tentatively titled “Dragon”.

While these speculations are gaining traction, it’s important to note that any potential film is likely still a couple of years away from starting production. The current focus is on the ongoing projects of both Prashant Neel and Ram Charan, with Charan’s movie with Buchi Babu going on floors soon, while Neel has to carve NTR’s film and then Salaar 2 as well.

The excitement surrounding this potential collaboration highlights the growing interest in cross-industry partnerships within Indian cinema. Fans are eager to see how directors like Prashanth Neel can bring their unique storytelling styles to new projects, especially with popular actors like Ram Charan involved.