Retired IAS officer P Sivakami has been given Verchol Dalit Literary Award.
Renowned writer, politician, and retired IAS officer P. Sivakami was conferred the Verchol Dalit Literary Award, along with a cash prize of ₹1 lakh, by the Neelam Cultural Centre—founded by filmmaker Pa. Ranjith—on Sunday.
In her acceptance speech, Sivakami underscored the importance of Dalit literature in confronting dominant narratives and amplifying marginalized voices. “This award is more than recognition—it’s a call to continue our struggle for mainstream visibility. We are serious thinkers committed to transforming society. A decade ago, such gatherings were rare. Today, it’s encouraging to witness a vibrant presence of Dalit poets,” she said.
Reflecting on her journey, Sivakami shared that what began as storytelling rooted in aesthetics soon became a form of resistance. “I didn’t set out to challenge anyone, but I found myself facing many invisible adversaries,” she noted. She added that Dalit literature unsettles caste Hindus by questioning entrenched cultural hierarchies and emphasized the strategic use of English as a tool to reach broader audiences.
Filmmaker Pa. Ranjith lauded Sivakami’s unwavering commitment to asserting Dalit identity through her diverse roles. He also criticized the passivity of many Scheduled Caste officials and politicians, urging them to use their influence to actively advocate for the community.
