On a singular expedition

Sannaki Munna, a PhD student at the University of Hyderabad, got selected to participate in the South Asia Anthropologist Group (SAAG) annual conference that was held on September 5 and 6 2018 at St. John’s College, University of Oxford, London.

His paper was titled ‘Between isolation and autonomy: A study of the anti-caste struggle in University of Hyderabad’.

The presentation focussed on the historical context of the struggles of Babasaheb Dr B.R. Ambedkar, his actions for autonomy and the struggles of ASA (Ambedkar Student Association, a leading student organisation in HCU) for the anti-caste movement. Munna also spoke about Rohith Vemula at Oxford University, mentioning the way he was treated by the Indian society on the basis of his caste.

“This is my academic contribution to the martyrdom of Rohith Vemula and for the autonomy of the Dalit struggle,” says Munna, adding, “I am delighted about my visit to Oxford University. I’m also happy and proud to be a follower of Ambedkar, who is my inspiration.

“Just as he visited Columbia for a conference at age 19 for his first paper, I’m also happy to cross the borders of this country to go to Oxford.”

Despite growing up at Jyothi Ashram, an orphanage, Munna says he never forgot his aims and goals. He admits that he has always been happy with the limited means he has had and made complete use of it to be what he is today. 

“I went to Telugu-medium government schools, but I always wanted to learn more and do something for my country,” he concludes.

— As told to Bansari Trivedi J.