A remembrance gathering to honour VT Rajshekar, the legendary journalist, thinker, and founder-editor of Dalit Voice, will be held on November 30, at 5:30pm at St Joseph’s College of Commerce, Brigade Road, Bengaluru. Organised by Dalit-Bahujan-Minority social movements and well-wishers, the event will celebrate his enduring contributions to the anti-caste movement and social justice.
Rajshekar passed away on Wednesday morning, November 20, at the age of 93 in Mangaluru. Born on July 17, 1932, in Vontibettu, Karnataka, he began his career with The Indian Express before starting Dalit Voice in 1981, a publication hailed globally for its radical critique of caste and Brahmanism.
Although the magazine ceased publication in 2011, its influence continues to shape conversations on caste and rights activism.
Rajshekar’s journalism was unflinching in its critique of systemic inequities, Brahmanism, and the Sangh Parivar. Over a career spanning decades, he faced significant challenges, including arrest under the Terrorist and Anti-Disruptive Activities (TADA) Act in 1986 and multiple charges under sedition laws for allegedly inciting disaffection. His passport was also confiscated for his writings, which were deemed “anti-Hindu” by authorities.
A prolific writer, Rajshekar authored numerous books on caste, oppression, and social justice. His contributions earned him accolades, such as the London Institute of South Asia (LISA) Book of the Year Award in 2005 and the Mukundan C Menon Award in 2018.
He is survived by his son, Salil Shetty, former Secretary General of Amnesty International. Rajshekar’s last rites were conducted on Thursday in his hometown of Vontibettu, Udupi district.