Introduction

Journal of Dalit Studies

Dalits of Nepal have been both under-studied and under-published. On the one hand, academic work carried out on Dalit issues is very limited. On the other hand, publications on Dalit issues are not easily available in the public domain. There is not even a single dedicated journal published within Nepal, with academic rigor on Dalit issues. There is a dire need for the production of comprehensive and empirical knowledge on Dalit issues, documenting Dalit’s life, struggle and learning, and its dissemination to a wider audience, to inform the promotion of evidence-based advocacy, education, and policymaking for transformative social change.

Therefore, Dignity Initiative has decided to launch “The Journal on Dalit Studies.” While the primary purpose of the journal is to produce knowledge on Dalit issues that can serve the social justice movement, the academic work published in this journal is also expected to serve the needs of prospective researchers and academics. It will also help to create a rigorous discourse on Dalit issues. In addition, the journal can discuss contemporary cultural, socio-economic, political and livelihood issues and influence policymakers in favour of the Dalit community. This will also attract emerging researchers to Dalit issues and promote their academic engagement.

This is a peer-reviewed journal which publishes research articles, review articles, book reviews, interviews and commentaries etc. The main purpose of this journal is to enhance the understanding of issues relating to caste and discrimination, particularly as experienced by people from excluded groups, and policies to promote social inclusion and equal rights and entitlements. The proposed journal can also serve as the platform to challenge dominant narratives and offer alternative discourse. We will promote that authors offer necessary facts, evidence and practical insights to combat caste discrimination and inequality.