Author(s): Mr. Abdul Samad K, Dr. Basheer Kotta

Abstract: Introduction of courses on literatures of the marginalised in colleges and universities is a significant step in the democratisation process of the country. These courses facilitate discussion on the socio-political conditions of the marginalised people in the country and enables learners to reflect on their own social position and the role of power in constructing hierarchies in the society. Following the insights of Paulo Freire, the study examines the effectiveness of the courses in developing a critical pedagogy in which a new social consciousness is formed. The study problematises the absence of texts of Ambedkar in the curriculum and argues that the education process has not developed an inclusive system and privileged groups control the decision making in the Universities. The study foregrounds the need of placing Ambedkar thoughts at the centre of a liberating education system.

Keywords: Literature of the marginalised, Dalit literature, critical pedagogy, university education, Dalit consciousness

Article Info: Received: 16 Aug 2025; Received in revised form: 13 Sep 2025; Accepted: 17 Sep 2025; Available online: 20 Sep 2025

DOI: 10.22161/ijels.105.21