A book on Dalits by a freelance journalist and human rights activist from Belgaum has won the London Institute of South Asia (LISA) Book of the Year Award for 2011–12.
Truth About Dalits — Caste System and Untouchability by Oliver D’Souza was chosen from a shortlist of global entries.
In a note on the LISA website, institute director Saeed Ismat said: “[Mr. D’Souza] has done a commendable job writing such an analytical and unbiased book on Dalits. The institution considers the book is of great value…[It] is an eye-opener and a remarkable research work. The author has spoken the truth with no prejudice, favour or fear.”
Due to health reasons, the author could not make it to the award presentation ceremony in London on August 23.
Speaking to The Hindu here recently, Mr. D’Souza said he had first published his work as an e-book. Subsequently, LISA published it as hardback, following outstanding reviews from activists, scholars, academics and critics.
With this award, he becomes the third Indian to win the award for his book, the other two being V.T. Rajshekar (2005) and Kancha Ilaiah (2008).
His earlier publication includes Communal Crimes Against Christians In India .
He heads the Dalit Christian Research Foundation, India.
LISA is a global think-tank that seeks to provide an alternative source of information and ideas, and aims to campaign for the rights of the oppressed.
