Titled Ambedkar Aspiration, Gautam’s illustration is an interpretation of Chaandnyachi Chhaya by noted Marathi poet Vaman Kardak; Gautam’s father was an avid reader and had a vast collection of Dalit literature. The artist grew up around the works of Dr BR Ambedkar and Savitribai Phule, which his father encouraged him to explore

Although caste in India remains a tool to create divide, a few artists have strived to create a space for their voices, whilst also pushing the boundaries of artistic expression. Delhi-based graphic designer and artist Siddhesh Gautam, is one of them. Gautam, through his Instagram (IG) presence @bakeryprasad, shares his visual interpretation of various pieces of literature by Dalit artists, writers, scholars or other eminent figures from the community such as Savitribai Phule and Dr BR Ambedkar.