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The History of Untouchable by Richard Convery

The History of Untouchable

 

Untouchable, a fictional book by Richard Convery, delves into the captivating story of Naggya, a young Dalit, and Elijah, a Christian man who builds a school to support Dalit children and orphans. The Dalits, also known as “Untouchables,” have endured centuries of discrimination and oppression in India. Considered to be at the bottom of the caste system, Dalits face social exclusion, violence, and limited opportunities for education and employment. Untouchable brings to the forefront the harsh realities experienced by the Dalit community, shedding light on their struggle for equality and dignity. Read on to learn more about the History of Untouchable book.

 

The term “Dalit” itself means “oppressed” or “broken,” reflecting the deep-seated discrimination they face based on their caste. Dalits are considered to be at the bottom of the social hierarchy, subjected to various forms of prejudice, exclusion, and violence. They have historically been assigned menial and degrading tasks, often barred from accessing education, land ownership, and basic human rights.

 

In this story, Naggya’s early life is marked by tragedy, witnessing the brutal murder of his mother at the hands of his alcoholic father. Faced with dire circumstances, Naggya embarks on a journey to find his mother’s sister, Aunty, in order to survive. Despite the odds, he manages to locate her, but Aunty, sick and dying, struggles to provide for herself, let alone young Naggya. 

 

In a society that views Dalits as less than human, Naggya’s fate takes an unexpected turn when he is discovered on the streets by Elijah, a compassionate Christian man who runs the Son-Shine school. Son-Shine is a place dedicated to providing education and support for Dalit children and orphans. Elijah takes Naggya in, offering him a home, nourishment, and the company of other Dalit children who share similar struggles. This newfound acceptance and love give Naggya a sense of belonging and the opportunity to realize an extraordinary destiny beyond the confines of his caste.

 

As Naggya grows within the nurturing environment of Son-Shine, his remarkable talent for dance becomes apparent to everyone, including a couple from New York City who are enthusiastic supporters of the school. With their support, Naggya’s dream of becoming a world-class professional ballet dancer begins to take shape. Through his journey in the world of ballet, Naggya becomes an ambassador for Son-Shine’s mission, using his gift to bring attention to the plight of Dalits and inspire others to break free from societal constraints.

 

For centuries, India has been marred by a form of social segregation and discrimination known as caste-based apartheid. The caste system has created a deeply entrenched hierarchy, with Dalits, also referred to as Untouchables, positioned at the bottom, facing immense prejudice and oppression. Throughout history, there have been individuals who have risen as heroes, advocating for the rights and dignity of the Dalit community. However, their efforts, though commendable, have often been met with resistance and limited success. Tragically, the cycle of discrimination continues, and meaningful change remains elusive. Despite the persistence and sacrifices of these heroes, the struggle for equality and social justice in India’s caste system persists, highlighting the need for greater awareness, understanding, and collective action to challenge and dismantle this deep-rooted form of apartheid.

 

Based on the real-life experiences of Elisha Chowtapalli, Untouchable sheds light on the discrimination and challenges faced by the Dalit community in India. Elisha is a Dalit who has dedicated his life to uplifting his community. Elisha’s work extends beyond building a school; he has also organized various events, groups, and activities that aim to empower Dalits and foster societal change. His tireless efforts serve as an inspiration for the characters and narrative within the book.

 

Education plays a pivotal role in breaking the cycle of discrimination and empowering marginalized communities. The school built by Elijah in Untouchable represents the transformative power of education for Dalit children and orphans. By providing them with knowledge, skills, and opportunities, the school becomes a symbol of hope, opening doors to a brighter future and a chance to challenge societal norms.

 

Untouchable by Richard Convery, a powerful work of fiction, is a testament to the resilience and triumph of the human spirit. It portrays the transformative power of education, compassion, and the pursuit of one’s dreams in breaking the chains of discrimination and oppression. Naggya’s story serves as an inspiration to all, reminding us that with courage, perseverance, and the support of a caring community, even the most marginalized individuals can transcend their circumstances and create a brighter future.

 

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