The Awakening of Man

About the Book The Awakening of Man, a translation of the Marathi book Jevha Manus Jaga Hoto, is a historical and personal account of Godavari Parulekar's struggles for the Warli people. A social activist and member of the Communist Party, she spent more than four decades of her life in the tribal belt of Thane, home to the Warli tribe. Influenced by Marxist ideology and applying the principles of Marxism in a more humanistic and peaceful manner, she selflessly dedicated her life to the social and political upliftment of the Warlis against the oppressive mechanism of the landlords, police, courts, and the government in the late 1940s.

The original Marathi version, first published in 1970 was an all-time classic and this translation will bring this great piece of literature to a non- Marathi audience.

Introduction India has a long tradition of dedicated, idealistic, selfless social and political workers. It is important to read about and understand this tradition and to acknowledge that the Communist Party has contributed immensely to this tradition.

Comrade Godavari Parulekar reached great heights in the Communist Party, like other outstanding women workers, due to her accomplishments and untiring efforts. The educated reader in India does not know of her tireless contributions for certain reasons. Communists have generally hesitated to speak about their work and activities which, to me, is a major flaw. Very little has been written about the history of the social in the country in which so many Communist leaders have participated. This history would be a great repository of learning for society in general.

When I was asked to write a few words about Godutai, I became keenly aware of this lacuna. Apart from Godutai's Marathi book Jevha Manus Jaga Hoto and a short article by Comrade Ashok Dhawale, there is very little literature available on the activities of Godutai and Shamrao Parulekar. The regional literature of the Warli tribe has references to Godutai Parulekar, and mention any of the Warli uprising has to start and end with Godutai Parulekar irrespective of the ideological leanings of the writer.

**Contents and Sample Pages**