The story of my Sanskrit - Kumud Pawde

Kumud Pawde’s essay, “The Story of My Sanskrit,” is an excerpt from her autobiography, Antasphot. In this work, she delves into the social, economic, and political ramifications of untouchability in India nearly two decades post-independence. This essay is significant not only for its contributions to Dalit Feminist Studies, highlights the journey of a Dalit woman navigating the realms of education and work. From an economic standpoint, Pawde reveals how individuals at various bureaucratic levels resist the enforcement of constitutional protections set forth by the Government of India,illustrates the deep-rooted nature of untouchability, showing that even high-ranking politicians often remain passive observers while society denies Dalits their rights. What stands out in her narrative is the straightforward and factual tone, combined with a strong sense of personal empowerment. Pawde discusses the challenges she faced in her pursuit of learning Sanskrit, a language typically inaccessible to individuals from her caste. Her experience highlights the systemic barriers and prejudices that marginalized communities encounter in their quest for education and knowledge.Despite societal constraints, Pawde's determination to study Sanskrit symbolizes her struggle against caste discrimination. Her journey illustrates the empowerment that comes from reclaiming knowledge and asserting one's right to education.