“Laxman Gaikwad is a prominent writer, social activist, and founder-president of the Denotified & Nomadic Tribal Rights Action Group (1978). Based in Mumbai, he completed his education at Dr. B.A. Marathwada University.
He is best known for his autobiographical novel Uchlya, translated into 17 languages, and has authored several other works like Dhubang, Vakilya Pardhi, Wadar Vedna, and Buddhachi Vipassana. His upcoming titles include Uchlya Nantar and Sindhu Te Hindu.
Gaikwad has received numerous honors including the SAARC Literary Award (2001), Sahitya Akademi Award (1988), Maharashtra Gaurav Puraskar (1990), and many other state and national recognitions. His work is taught in universities, and Uchlya has been adapted into plays and a government-produced documentary.
As a social reformer, he has fought for the rights of DNT communities, secured land and housing for the marginalized, led awareness campaigns, and played a key role in establishing the National DNT Commission. He has represented India in various international seminars and cultural forums.”
