Two Years Later, Rohith Vemula’s Family Still Awaits Justice

17 January 2016.

The day a son, a brother, a scholar and an activist died, and a Dalit scholar arose.

University of Hyderabad (UoH) research scholar Rohith Vemula killed himself on this day two years ago, and till date his family is awaiting justice.

Rohith’s mother, Radhika, has been fighting for justice for her son, travelling to different parts of the country to address students and mobilise support to punish the perpetrators and enact a non-discrimination “Rohith” Act. She said their pleas have fallen on deaf ears, but she will continue her fight.

Rohith Vemula hanged himself inside hostel room 207 of UoH.

Rohith, along with four others, was suspended from the varsity on 8 September 2015. Following protests, they were banned from living in the hostel, using the college’s administration buildings and libraries, and contesting elections.

His brother, Raja Vemula, recalled how Rohith would encourage him to study more as “knowledge is the only power we’ve got.”

He would always tell me to read... for the knowledge and not money. We struggled a lot. I was a sweeper in a hotel and went for daily wage jobs with my brother. We managed to become what we are today. That is our luck. We decided to give that luck to kids like us. 

Raja Vemula, Rohith’s brother

Radhika said the 'Rohith Stupa' was erected in the UoH for remembering his ultimate sacrifice for equality. But on Wednesday, on account of his death anniversary, they were allowed four hours to access specific areas of the campus to pay tribute.

And what about any change the institute may have seen in the last two years? Both Radhika and Raja nod fervently.

Since Union Minister Bandaru Dattatreya had said the UoH was a “den of casteist, extremist and anti-national politics,” matters have become worse, they said.

“There is no stand, no proper investigation. Even till today, the Vice-Chancellor wasn’t even interrogated by the police or the Government of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, and not even asked what happened to him,” Raja said.

Lakhs of students, scholars, and progressive thinkers came together to support Rohith’s ideology of liberty, equality and fraternity.

And while Raja was sceptical if “this world meant for Brahmins and Reddys would ever have room for Dalits,” he was optimistic that several Rohiths in this country could change and make a better India.

Video Editor: Ashutosh Bhardwaj