Book Review: Waiting For A Visa
- IJLLR Journal
- 6 days ago
- 2 min read
Anshika Srivastav, Bennett University
B. R. Ambedkar, Waiting for a Visa
Introduction:
In the unique world of autobiographical literature, "Waiting for a Visa" by Dr. B.R. Ambedkar stands still holding a timeless masterpiece position that arranges together not only the personal narratives but also shows the societal reflections making it into a whole of a compelling narrative. The book “Waiting for a Visa” is a 20-page autobiographical story of B. R. Ambedkar written during the 1935–36.
It consists of remembrances drawn by Ambedkar, related to his and the societies experiences relating to untouchability. The book consists of a very brief introduction which is further divided into six sections, relating Ambedkar's experiences with untouchability, starting from his childhood. The struggles in his life were more like an ocean, never-ending still he never lost hope and always stood for his and societies rights and stood up for equality to all.
Sections 1,2,3 and 4 consist of Ambedkar's own life experiences and sufferings, while Sections 5 and 6 consist of experiences faced by the other people in society at that time with untouchability.
Ambedkar in this book portrayed not only the challenges faced by him and the society but he also mentioned about the first time he felt what untouchability is in spite of suffering it from his birth. "Waiting for a Visa" is not just an autobiography, it unveils different harsh faces of the society that is present in the deep-rooted prejudices that were followed in India even if it devoid the rights of being a human.
Through his fluent prose and unwavering resolve, he wrote the experiences of his own life from the margins of society to the pinnacle of leadership and reform. This whole book was written in such a way that it felt like I was an eye witness of all the discriminations that were faced by Ambedkar and the other people.
