Rohit Vemula Remembered on 10th Death Anniversary, Rahul Gandhi Highlights Ongoing Dalit Struggle

Ten years after the tragic death of Dalit student Rohit Vemula, Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, paid tribute to him on social media, highlighting the persistent challenges faced by Dalit youth in India.

In his post, Gandhi wrote, “It has been 10 years since Rohit Vemula passed away, yet his question still echoes in our hearts: Does everyone in this country have the right to dream? Rohit wanted to study, write, and contribute to science, society, and humanity. But this system could not accept the progress of a Dalit.”

He condemned institutional casteism, social ostracism, daily humiliation, demeaning language, and inhuman behavior, describing them as the poison that pushed a talented young student to the point where his dignity was stripped away, leaving him isolated. Gandhi further questioned whether the reality for Dalit youth has changed today, pointing to continued discrimination on campuses, in hostels, classrooms, and, at times, through violence. “Caste remains the country’s most pervasive admission form,” he noted.

Call for Rohit Vemula Act

Gandhi reiterated the urgent need to implement the Rohit Vemula Act, which seeks to criminalize caste-based discrimination in educational institutions, ensure strict action against offenders, and protect students from being targeted or silenced because of their caste. “This struggle is not just in Parliament; it belongs to campuses, to the youth, to all of us. Dalit youth, raise your voice, organize, stand together, and demand: Implement the Rohit Vemula Act now. Enact anti-discrimination laws immediately,” he urged.

Highlighting ongoing efforts, Gandhi said that Congress-led governments in Karnataka and Telangana are moving to implement the law. “We envision a just, humane, and equal India—where no Dalit student has to pay for their dreams with their life. Rohit, your fight is our responsibility,” he added.