In 1981, Rajshekar founded Dalit Voice, which rapidly gained national and international acclaim. The magazine’s publication ceased in 2011, but its influence remains significant in social justice circles
Team Clarion
NEW DELHI – VT Rajshekar, an influential journalist, writer, and founder-editor of the groundbreaking magazine Dalit Voice, breathed his last in a private hospital in Mangaluru in the southern state of Karnataka on Wednesday. He was 93.
Born on July 17, 1932, in Vontibettu, Karnataka, Rajshekar dedicated his life to championing the rights of Dalits and exposing caste-based oppression. His pioneering contributions to the anti-caste movement began in the 1970s, with his work shaping intellectual discourse and activism across India and beyond.
In 1981, Rajshekar founded Dalit Voice, which rapidly gained national and international acclaim. The magazine, described by Human Rights Watch as “India’s most widely circulated Dalit journal,” served as a platform to voice the struggles of marginalised communities and challenge caste-based hierarchies. Though the publication ceased in 2011, its influence remains significant in social justice circles.
Rajshekar started his journalism career with The Indian Express, where he worked for 25 years. His reporting and editorials laid the foundation for his reputation as a fearless advocate for Dalit rights. Through Dalit Voice, he critiqued Brahmanism, the Sangh Parivar, and systemic oppression, often drawing sharp criticism for his unapologetic stance.
In 1986, his passport was confiscated due to his alleged “anti-Hindu” writings, and he was arrested under the Terrorist and Anti-Disruptive Activities (TADA) Act. The arrest, stemming from an editorial in Dalit Voice, highlighted the risks he faced for speaking out against entrenched power structures. Over the years, Rajshekar faced numerous charges, including sedition, for his work.
In addition to journalism, Rajshekar authored dozens of books addressing caste, social justice, and oppression. His works continue to inspire activists and scholars worldwide.
In 2005, he received the prestigious London Institute of South Asia (LISA) Book of the Year Award, and in 2018, he was honoured with the Mukundan C. Menon Award by the National Confederation of Human Rights Organisations (NCHRO).
Rajshekar is survived by his son, Salil Shetty, a prominent human rights advocate who served as the Secretary General of Amnesty International.
Rajshekar’s last rites were performed on Thursday in his hometown of Vontibettu.
Rajshekar’s fearless commitment to social justice and his role in amplifying the voices of the oppressed leave behind a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.