Laxman Gaikwad

Laxman Gaikwad (born 1952) is a renowned Marathi novelist and social activist, celebrated for his autobiographical novel `Uchalaya` (meaning 'The Branded'). This work, detailing the trials and tribulations of his Uchalya tribe, whom the British classified as a criminal tribe, earned him international recognition and the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1988. Gaikwad has been active in social services, serving as president of the Jankalyan Vikas Sanstha since 1986 and the Denotified and Nomadic Tribes Organization since 1990. He has received several other awards, including the Maharashtra Gourav Puraskar and the SAARC Literary Award.