Masterji: A Sansi Saga

Masterji, Nathu, was born in the tiny village of Narangwalin the early twentieth century.

His Sansi caste was declared aso-called Criminal Tribe by the British.

They were forced tosteal or beg for food, money and clothes.

As a Sansi, he lived onthe outermost fringes of the society being an untouchable.Withthe British ruling India and the iron-clad caste system ??irmly inplace, he could not have anticipated much more than herdingother peoples buffaloes for a living.

But by sheer chance, littleNathu was admitted to the local government school. And itchanged his life forever. However, the immense struggle thatlay ahead of him was only just beginning. This is the story of Nathus incredible journey toward becomingNatha Singh, respected school teacher.

The story, told in his ownvoice, relies on his stupendous memory to recall even minorincidents in his long and eventful life.

Filled with descriptionsand anecdotes, it paints many unforgettable scenes, andthe narration tinged with a dry sense of humour makes fordelightful reading. This inspiring and moving saga of courage, perseverance, andsterling integrity is rich in personal, historical and sociologicaldetail.

Natha Singhs lifelong ??ight, for dignity and against thecruel caste system, is all too relevant in 21st century India. C.K. MeenaAuthor & Columnist