Laxman Mane

Laxman Mane was an Indian Marathi writer and social activist born on June 1, 1949, in Somanthali, Phaltan, Maharashtra. He belonged to the Mang community, which was considered an untouchable community at that time. He is known for his significant contribution to Marathi literature and his autobiography Upara, a landmark work in Marathi literature. He was determined to break the shackles of caste discrimination and poverty. He completed his education up to the 10th standard and then moved to Mumbai to pursue further studies. In Mumbai, Laxman Mane became involved in social activism. He joined the Dalit Panthers and worked tirelessly for their cause.

He was also a member of the Bahujan Samaj Party. His literary journey began with his first novel, Tujhya Raktamadhlya Vyatha Aani Tya Kshananchya Vishadat, published in 1976. The book dealt with the theme of caste discrimination and received critical acclaim. His second novel, Swami, published in 1978, dealt with social inequality. However, his most significant work was his autobiography, Upara, in 1987. It received widespread critical acclaim and won several awards, including the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1991. Laxman Mane was not only a writer. Laxman believed in the power of education and worked for the education of Dalit children. His contribution to Marathi literature and the Dalit movement remains significant.