NOWHERE TO GO: PREDICAMENT OF A MOTHER IN BABURAO BAGUL’S “MOTHER”

Abstract

Dalit literature is an important body of work voicing the issues of the ‘marginalized’ sections of society. It highlights the subjugation and the social, political and economic exploitation of the Dalits. Baburao Bagul’s story “Mother” poignantly depicts the pain and sufferings of a Dalit woman. Women hailing from Dalit society are the ‘marginalized of the marginalized’. These women suffer at multiple levels. The present research paper tries to explore plight of a widow who is surrounded by all kinds of problems. The writer keeps the protagonist - the mother - nameless to suggest not only her insignificant existence but also the universal suffering of such women. A good part of her life is made hell by her TB ridden husband. After his death she is left to fend for herself and her son. But all her efforts of being a good mother are defeated. Ultimately, she finds herself torn between her personal happiness and the her responsibilities as a mother.