Translation of nonfiction writings such as essays, research articles, speeches and pamphlets is guided more by functional / instrumental purposes than linguistic prescriptions. Linguistic prescriptions for "correct" or "authentic" translations do not find much relevance in the translation of non-fiction. In line with this argument, it is important to consider other questions: why are non-fiction/discursive writings translated? What ideas / subject matter determine such translations? At what historical juncture do such translations appear and gain significance? The talk makes an attempt to answer these questions by studying the translation of Devanuru Mahadeva's (a reputed Dalit writer and activist in Karnataka) speech on the occasion of Durban conference on racism in 2001. Translation of this speech which dwells on similarities and contrasts between untouchability and racism/apartheid provides us resources not only to understand Mahadeva's idea of social history, comparative perspective and social problems but also the historical necessity of publishing such political speeches in translation. The article also undertakes a comparative study of two anthologies which contain this translation.