India, April 18 -- In percentage terms, Punjab has the highest Dalit population in India (about 30%). Despite this, Punjabi Dalit writing has struggled to find recognition. Initial works on Dalit issues were written largely by stalwarts of Punjabi literature such as Nanak Singh, Gurbaksh Singh Preetlari, Kulwant Singh Virk and Gurdial Singh. Since the 1970s, though, Punjabi Dalit writing has undergone a shift in consciousness, with the emergence of Attarjit, who is among the earliest Dalit writers to make a mark. Soon, others such as Prem Gorkhi, Mohan Lal Phillauria and Bhagwant Rasulpuri emerged. Gangrene is an attempt to compile some of Punjabi literature's most powerful short stories on Dalit themes and issues. Carefully curated by Akshaya Kumar and Navdeep Singh, this volume features stories on a variety of issues ranging from caste identities and rural exploitation to urban life and housing. Searing in its indictment of casteism, this volume is a path to a better understanding of Punjabi society....