Shailaja Paik: Breaking Caste Barriers and Winning the MacArthur Fellowship

Shailaja Paik, an Indian-American historian, gains MacArthur "genius" fellowship for her research on Dalit women's experiences, advocating for social justice and educational reform.

In a remarkable turn of events, Shailaja Paik, a scholar who has dedicated her life to studying and advocating for Dalit women, has been awarded the distinguished MacArthur "genius" fellowship, joining a select group of 22 recipients this year. The recognition comes not just as a personal accolade but as validation for her extensive research focusing on the intersections of caste, gender, and sexuality, particularly concerning India's Dalit community—those historically marginalized in a hierarchical society.

Hailing from a low-income neighborhood in Pune, India, Paik's early life conditions were challenging, marked by the struggles of living in a cramped tenement with inadequate provisions and sanitation. Today, her journey is celebrated by the MacArthur Foundation, which supports individuals "with a track record of extraordinary work." Their endorsement underscores Paik’s mission of redefining the narrative around caste discrimination.

Marlies Carruth, director of the MacArthur Fellows Program, commended Paik's approach to shedding light on the multifaceted realities faced by Dalit women, emphasizing the pervasive nature of caste discrimination. In her own words, Paik remarked on the fellowship’s potential to elevate the discourse surrounding Dalit issues, positioning them as human rights concerns and linking marginalized histories globally. Currently serving as a history professor at the University of Cincinnati, Paik has lived in the United States for over a decade yet continues to draw on her roots in India.

Recalling her formative years, Paik describes the hours spent waiting in line for water and the relentless quest for knowledge amidst oppressive circumstances. Her parents, despite their limited education, prioritized learning and ensured that their daughters had access to English education—an unusual focus for families with daughters due to prevailing societal norms. Paik excelled in her studies, even accommodating her rigorous academic schedule by sleeping in short bursts to create study time during the night.

Her academic inclination towards history emerged during her undergraduate studies at Savitribai Phule Pune University. Noticing the lack of representation of Dalit women's narratives in the literature, she set out to fill this gap. In 2014, she published her first influential book focused on this theme, drawing attention to the multifaceted discrimination faced by Dalit women.

Paik's subsequent publication, "The Vulgarity of Caste: Dalits, Sexuality, and Humanity in Modern India," received the prestigious John F. Richards Prize, establishing her credibility in scholarly discourse. The growing conversation about caste in the United States, especially among the substantial Indian-American community, reflects the relevance of her work on an international stage.

Amidst her recognition, Paik acknowledges the systemic barriers faced by scholars from marginalized backgrounds, particularly in navigating the academic landscape fraught with linguistic and financial challenges. As she prepares to harness her fellowship for further research and advocacy, her resolve to combat caste discrimination remains unyielding.

Paik's aspiration is to leverage this opportunity to strengthen efforts against casteism for both Dalits and non-Dalits and to foster social justice across South Asia and beyond. As she continues her critical work, she remains committed to empowering marginalized communities and encouraging dialogue around caste and discrimination in contemporary society.