Occupation Dalit writer Years active 1980-Current | Name A.R. Akela | |
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Born September 30, 1960 (age 64) ( 1960-09-30 ) Aligarh, Uttar Pradesh, India | ||
Anant Rao "A. R." Akela (born September 30, 1960) is a Dalit author, poet, folk singer and publisher. He belongs to Jatav community.
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Early life
Akela was born in the village of Paharipur, on the bank of river Kali, in Aligarh District, Uttar Pradesh, India. His grandfather, Sri Dharampal owned 180 acres of land. His father Talibar Bohre got 40 bigha lands, although a large portion of it was either lost when the river changed course or was lost in family disputes. He could not manage even this land. The financial condition of the family worsened to the extent that his family members neared starvation. They had to mortgage their ancestral house. Akela’s hardship increased when he lost his father at age 14. His two brothers and three sisters were forced to stop their education. He, however, completed his primary education from his village school and junior high school from Ratavali. In 1982, he was jailed. A legal battle continued for 8 years and even after this, he could not settle.
Literary works
Akela's first work was Shambook Rishi (Baahmasi). His major contributions are Bheem Gyan-Gitanali, Buddha Gyan-Gitanali, Baspa Ke Bol, Mere Mishanary Geet, Angulimaal Katil Kyo Bana (All song collections) Yug Pravartak Ambedkar (Play) and Baba Saheb Ne Kaha Tha. He edited Kanshiram Press Ke Aaine Mein, Mayawati and Media and Kanshiram Ke Sakshhatkar.
Social work
Akela is a Dalit social activist. His contact with Shri Kanshiram led him to join DS-4. He went to jail for the anti-liquor movement when he bicycled from Aligarh to Bareilly.
Publication
He established Anand Sahitya Sadan for publishing Dalit sahitya.