Telangana Government Commits to Rohith Vemula Act
Telangana Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka made a significant announcement on Saturday. He declared the state government's intention to enact the Rohith Vemula Act as soon as possible. This pledge came during a meeting with the Justice for Rohith Vemula Campaign Committee at Praja Bhavan.
Students Demand Justice on Tenth Anniversary
Earlier that same day, students at the University of Hyderabad took strong action. They staged a complete class boycott and organized a powerful campus march. Their purpose was clear: to commemorate the tenth anniversary of research scholar Rohith Vemula's tragic death.
Vemula died by suicide in a UoH hostel room on January 17, 2016. His death ignited massive nationwide protests against caste discrimination in educational institutions. The anniversary events brought this unresolved issue back into sharp focus.
Political Support and Legislative Progress
Vikramarka revealed important political developments during his meeting. He noted that Opposition Leader Rahul Gandhi recently communicated directly with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy. Gandhi strongly advocated for the Act's introduction in Telangana.
Rahul Gandhi confirmed this push through a social media post on X. He wrote in Hindi that Congress-led governments in both Telangana and Karnataka are actively working to implement this crucial legislation. "Dalit youth -- raise your voices, organize yourselves, stand with each other," Gandhi urged. "Demand: Implement the Rohit Vemula Act now. We need an anti-discrimination law now."
Marking this decade-long movement, Ambedkarite activists and intellectuals in Karnataka achieved a milestone. They recently developed a formal draft for the Rohith Vemula Act. The committee presented this draft to Deputy CM Vikramarka during their meeting.
Key Demands and Government Response
The Justice for Rohith Vemula Campaign Committee presented several critical demands to the Deputy Chief Minister. They called for a completely transparent investigation into Vemula's case. This investigation would finally deliver the long-awaited justice his family and supporters seek.
The committee also sought urgent legal relief. They highlighted fifty students and two faculty members still facing serious non-bailable charges. These charges stem directly from the 2016 protests following Vemula's death.
Furthermore, the group urged Telangana to adopt Karnataka's legislative model for the Act. Deputy CM Vikramarka provided firm assurances. He stated the state government remains fully committed to this legislation after thorough consultations with Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
Commemorative Events and Student Voices
Commemorations unfolded across the University of Hyderabad campus throughout the day. Rohith's mother, Radhika Vemula, joined Gujarat MLA Jignesh Mevani and numerous students. Together, they paid heartfelt tribute at the Rohith Stupa in Velivaada.
The day concluded with a powerful 'Mashal Juloos' or torchlight procession. Students continued their unwavering demand for justice through this symbolic march.
Dushyant, vice-president of the UoH Ambedkar Students Association, explained the student actions. "Students voluntarily boycotted classes and gathered at 'Velivaada' on the varsity campus," he stated. "They supported the Justice for Rohith Vemula movement commemorating ten years of institutional murder and ten years of denied justice."
A Symbol of Resistance and Unmet Accountability
The ASA issued a powerful statement about the anniversary's significance. They described 'Rohith Shahadath Din' as a symbol of resistance, assertion, and commemoration. This day brings together voices remembering Dalit-Bahujan-Adivasi lives lost in educational spaces. It also strengthens ongoing Dalit self-respect movements.
The association expressed deep frustration with the lack of accountability. "It has been a decade and yet, there has been no accountability from the University of Hyderabad, the Ministry of Education, and the Indian state for Vemula's death," they asserted.
They concluded with a determined message. "We assert that until caste is annihilated within educational institutions, Vemula will continue to live as a symbol of resistance. The struggle he represents will continue to grow."
