Apply Sant Shri Kabir Dalit Sahitya | Mahatma Gandhi Award

The Sant Shri Kabir Dalit Sahitya Award is a government-backed literary award honouring Dalit (Scheduled Caste) authors for outstanding books on social justice, equality and human rights. Eligible works include novels, poetry, essays, and critical studies published within the last 3–5 years. Applicants submit a form, caste proof, copies of their book, and a biodata to the Social Justice & Empowerment Department, Gujarat. The award typically carries a cash prize of around ₹51,000 plus a certificate and recognition.

What Is the Sant Shri Kabir Dalit Sahitya Award?

The award celebrates outstanding literary works by Dalit authors. These works usually highlight:

• Social justice
• Equality and human rights
• Dalit history, culture, and lived experiences
• Communal harmony and Gandhian values

The award is more than a prize; it is a platform that amplifies voices from historically marginalized communities. Winning helps writers gain visibility, credibility, and recognition across India.

Why This Award Matters for Dalit Literature

Dalit literature has always been a powerful medium of truth and social transformation. This award strengthens that movement.

Preserves Dalit History & Culture

Dalit writings often capture personal and collective struggles. This award ensures these stories are protected and passed to future generations.

Encourages Young Dalit Writers

Seeing writers honoured encourages younger authors to participate and express their identity proudly.

Creates Awareness About Social Issues

Award-winning books often spotlight caste injustice, discrimination, and human dignity — initiating public debate and influencing policy.

Opens Doors for Wider Recognition

Awardees receive publication opportunities, academic engagement, and invitations to literary festivals.

Eligibility Criteria |Sant Shri Kabir Dalit Sahitya Award

The criteria may slightly vary each year, but here’s the general rule of eligibility:

Authorship Requirements

• Applicant must be an Indian citizen
• Must belong to the Scheduled Caste (Dalit) community
• Caste certificate required

Types of Eligible Literary Works

Eligible genres include:

• Novels
• Short stories
• Poetry
• Drama
• Essays
• Biographies
• Literary criticism
• Works must be original and published within the last 3–5 years.

Thematic Requirements

The work should ideally explore:

• Social justice
• Dalit experiences
• Equality & human rights
• Gandhian principles

Nomination Format

• Authors may apply themselves
• Institutions or literary academies may nominate writers
• Previous winners may have cooling-off periods before reapplying

How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process

Applying is easy if you follow the standard process:

Step 1. Official Notification

The Social Justice & Empowerment Department (Gujarat) releases an official notification with:

• Eligibility
• Application form
• Required documents
• Deadline

Step 2. Download or Collect the Form

Available online on the government website or at designated offices.

Step 3. Prepare Required Documents

Typically includes:

• Completed application form
• Copies of the literary work
• Author biodata / CV
• Caste certificate
• Government ID
• Summary of the book
• Recommendation letters (optional but helpful)

Step 4. Submit Before the Deadline

Submission can be:

• Physical (offline)
• Digital (online), depending on the year’s process

Step 5. Jury Evaluation Process

A panel of:

• Eminent authors
• Academics
• Social activists

Reviews each submission for:

• Originality
• Literary merit
• Social impact

Step 6. Final Declaration

Winners are announced through:

• Government website
• Press notes
• Media outlets

Award Amount, Recognition & Benefits

The award brings both financial and cultural benefits.

Monetary Benefits | Sant Shri Kabir Dalit Sahitya Award

The cash prize usually ranges around:

• ₹51,000 for an individual literary work
• Larger amounts for exceptional contributions or lifetime achievement

Non-Monetary Recognition

Winners gain:

• Prestige of being honoured under Mahatma Gandhi’s and Sant Kabir’s legacy
• Media coverage
• Academic recognition
• Invitations to seminars and festivals
• A strong author profile
• Motivation to continue their literary journey

Administering Body | Who Gives This Award?

The award is primarily managed by: Social Justice & Empowerment Department, Government of Gujarat.

Their functions include:

• Policy formulation
• Funding allocation
• Notification and outreach
• Application management
• Jury creation
• Record keeping
• Award ceremonies

Other Indian states may run similar Dalit-focused award schemes under their respective Social Justice departments.

Past Recipients and Their Contributions

Below are illustrative examples that reflect typical awardee profiles:

Dr. Anand H. Parmar (2018)

“Agni-Pariksha” Short stories highlighting the strength of Dalit women.

Smt. Meena V. Solanki (2020)

“Dalit Chetna ane Navjagaran” An influential critical study of Dalit consciousness.

Shri Rajendra M. Rathod (2021)

“Vedana ni Vanagi” Marathi poetry expressing pain, identity, and hope.

Prof. Kishor L. Damor (2023)

Lifetime contribution to Dalit literature and human rights advocacy.

These examples show how the award uplifts powerful voices shaping India’s cultural landscape.

Cultural, Social & Policy Impact

The impact of each is elaborated below:

Cultural Impact

Dalit literature becomes part of mainstream discussion

• Oral traditions are preserved
• Diverse narratives enter the literary canon

Social Impact

• Raises awareness about discrimination
• Encourages inter-caste dialogue
• Empowers marginalized communities

Policy Impact

• Influences social justice programs
• Encourages inclusive cultural policies
• Highlights urgent issues needing reform

Related Awards Supporting Social Justice

Several other national and state-level awards complement this award, such as:

Sahitya Akademi Award

Recognizes literary excellence across Indian languages.

Jnanpith Award

India’s highest literary honour.

Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Award

Recognizes contributions to social justice across multiple fields.

Mahatma Phule Award

Honours efforts toward social reform and equality.

These awards together strengthen India’s commitment to acknowledging diverse literary voices.

Explore Digital Gujarat Scholarship, Mysy Scholarships, List of Dalits and many more in blog section