Gangrene: Punjabi Dalit Short Stories Translated by Prof. Akshaya Kumar and Navdeep Singh

A SEARING, POWERFUL COLLECTION OF SHORT STORIES UNVEILING THE COMPLEX REALITIES OF CASTE, STRUGGLE, AND IDENTITY IN PUNJABI SOCIETY.

Although Punjab boasts the highest percentage of Dalit population in India—accounting for roughly 30 percent of its total population—Punjabi Dalit literature has historically fought hard to find mainstream recognition. While early discussions on Dalit themes were largely penned by the traditional stalwarts of Punjabi letters, the 1970s marked a profound shift in consciousness with the rise of pioneering Dalit voices like Attarjit, followed by seminal writers such as Prem Gorkhi, Mohan Lal Phillauria, and Bhagwant Rasulpuri.

Gangrene is a landmark anthology carefully curated and translated by Prof. Akshaya Kumar and Navdeep Singh, bringing together some of the most searing and evocative short stories in Punjabi literature. Traversing a vast landscape of lived experiences—from entrenched rural exploitation and rigid caste identities to the nuanced struggles of urban life, housing, and social dignity—this volume serves as an unflinching indictment of casteism and an essential window into the deeper fabric of Punjabi society.

Why this book is a must-have:

• Vital Cultural Representation: Sheds light on Punjabi Dalit writing, offering a platform to powerful regional voices that deserve global readership.

• Expert Translation & Curation: Brought together by renowned scholars Prof. Akshaya Kumar and Navdeep Singh with deep sensitivity and critical insight.

• Profound Thematic Depth: Explores pressing social realities, including caste discrimination, economic exploitation, and the assertion of identity.

• Eye-Opening Non-Fiction & Fiction Intersection: An invaluable read for sociologists, students of literature, and anyone seeking a truer understanding of contemporary Indian society.

Explore stories that challenge and transform. Add Gangrene: Punjabi Dalit Short Stories to your collection at Beetle Bookshop today—enjoy 10–14% off and Free Shipping on orders above ₹500!