Congress leader Rahul Gandhi made a strong appeal on Saturday for a pan-India Rohit Vemula Act. He wants this law to tackle discrimination against Dalit students across the country.
A Decade Since the Tragedy
Rahul Gandhi posted his message in Hindi on social media platform X. He marked ten years since Rohith Vemula's passing. Vemula was a 26-year-old Dalit student at the University of Hyderabad. He died by suicide on January 17, 2016. His death followed alleged caste-based harassment.
"Rohith's question still echoes in our hearts," Gandhi wrote. "Does everyone in this country have an equal right to dream?"
The Systemic Poison
Gandhi described the pressures Vemula faced. He pointed to institutionalized casteism and social exclusion. He mentioned daily humiliation and language meant to remind Vemula of his so-called place. Gandhi called this treatment inhumane.
"This was the poison," Gandhi stated. "It pushed a promising young man to a point where his dignity was stripped away. He was left completely alone."
The Fight for Change on Campuses
The Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha argued that reality has not changed for Dalit students. He said discrimination persists on campuses today. This makes the Rohit Vemula Act a necessity, not just a slogan.
"We need this law so caste-based discrimination in educational institutions becomes a crime," Gandhi explained. "Strict action must be taken against the perpetrators. The freedom to break, silence, and exclude any student based on caste must end."
Gandhi emphasized that this fight extends beyond Parliament. He called it a fight for young people on campuses. He declared it a collective fight for justice.
A Call to Action for Dalit Youth
The Rae Bareli MP directly addressed Dalit youth in his post. He urged them to raise their voices and organize. He asked them to stand together in solidarity.
"Demand the implementation of the Rohit Vemula Act now," Gandhi said. "We need an anti-discrimination law immediately."
He noted that Congress governments in Karnataka and Telangana are working to implement the law as soon as possible.
Vision for a Just India
Gandhi concluded with a powerful vision. "We want an India that is just, humane, and equal," he wrote. "It should be a place where no Dalit student has to pay for their dreams with their life."
He added a personal commitment to Vemula's memory. "Rohith, your fight is our responsibility," Gandhi affirmed.
Legacy of a National Protest
Rohith Vemula's death in 2016 sparked massive nationwide protests. Students and activists demonstrated against casteism in higher education institutions. The protests also included demands for the resignation of the then Union HRD Minister, Smriti Irani.
Rahul Gandhi personally joined the student protests following Vemula's tragic death. His recent statements renew focus on the unresolved issues of caste discrimination within India's educational system.
