Untouchable Spring by Kalyan Rao G.

Untouchable Spring, a memory text, is a family/community saga, a novel and a historical document rolled into one. Using the oral story-telling tradition, Rao has brought to the fore not just the social and cultural life of generations of Dalits, but their art forms. Through the stories of Successive generations, we are taken on a journey to their heart from those who were exploited to those who discover their humanity through defiance. The reminiscences of Ruth take us to her husband Reubens family in Yennela Dinni, to the boy Yellanna, his being chased away by his caste superiors, his music, his son Sivaiahs escape from the drought along with his wife, the latters conversion to Christianity, the brutality against him and other Dalit Christians, the birth of Reuben when things seem to fall apart and he is later left in an orphanage and then to Reubens search for his roots. This faithful translation from the Telugu, arousing pity for all that is pitiable and rage at what man has done to man, points to the growing awareness of peoples rights and how they are driven to armed struggle.