An iconoclast with a powerful voice: A tribute to V.T. Rajashekar, editor of Dalit Voice

By Vidya Bhushan Rawat* 

In October 1991, while sitting at Lokayat, Dr. Mulk Raj Anand’s residence in Delhi, I came across a compelling letter in The Hindustan Times. It spanned three columns, critiquing casteism in the media. The author was V.T. Rajashekar, editor of Dalit Voice. Intrigued, I noted his address and wrote to him. To my surprise, he responded with a few issues of Dalit Voice and a personal note. That marked the beginning of a lifelong connection with a man who profoundly shaped my intellectual journey.

The Origins of Dalit Voice

Dalit Voice began in 1981, with its first supporter being Dr. Mulk Raj Anand, the renowned author of Untouchable. Anand encouraged Rajashekar, even suggesting the magazine’s name and offering financial assistance. However, their relationship fractured over the Punjab crisis of the 1980s. While Anand criticized terrorism, Rajashekar saw Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale as a leader for Dalits and condemned Operation Blue Star. Their differing views did not stem from ideology but personal interpretations of justice and oppression.

Rajashekar’s dismissal from The Indian Express had earlier garnered widespread attention. Anand reached out to him, impressed by his work, and urged him to start a publication. Rajashekar often spoke of Anand’s role in the magazine’s inception, but he was clear that their disagreement over Punjab strained their association.

A Global Vision for Dalit Empowerment

Rajashekar was not confined to India’s caste struggles; he linked Dalit issues to global movements, particularly the Black liberation struggle in the United States. He brought thinkers like Runoko Rashidi into Dalit Voice, fostering connections between oppressed communities worldwide. At a time when Dalit-Bahujan movements were largely insular, Rajashekar broadened their perspective, urging them to see themselves as part of a global fight against oppression.

For many, Dalit Voice was more than a magazine—it was an intellectual platform. Its reader’s column created a network, connecting contributors through published contact details. In an era before email and social media, Dalit Voice acted as a bridge, fostering solidarity among readers and activists. Rajashekar ensured every contributor received a copy of the issue featuring their letter, often with a personal note.

Courageous, Controversial, and Unapologetic

Rajashekar was unapologetically bold, often embracing controversial positions. He criticized Operation Blue Star and expressed solidarity with marginalized Sikhs and Muslims. Despite accusations of bias and promoting conspiracy theories, he remained steadfast in his commitment to challenging Brahmanism and advocating for oppressed communities.

His ideological stance sometimes invited criticism. His principle of "the enemy’s enemy is a friend" led to alliances that some Ambedkarites found problematic. For instance, his engagement with Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi during a World Black Conference in the 1980s drew scrutiny. Upon his return to India, his passport was confiscated, and he was later arrested under the Terrorist and Disruptive Activities Act (TADA). Nevertheless, he remained vocal, even as these controversies isolated him from sections of the Dalit-Bahujan community.

A One-Man Institution

For nearly 30 years, Dalit Voice was a one-man operation. Rajashekar handled editing, correspondence, and production with minimal assistance. Many assumed the magazine had a large staff, but it was largely his dedication that kept it running. Despite financial constraints, Dalit Voice became internationally recognized.

However, his centralization of control limited the magazine’s longevity. Younger generations found it challenging to engage with his rigid ideological framework, and the rise of digital platforms further diminished its readership. In his later years, even printers hesitated to publish the magazine, fearing repercussions in a politically charged climate.

A Lasting Legacy

Rajashekar’s unwavering convictions made him both respected and polarizing. While his rigid style and controversial alliances alienated some, his contribution to amplifying Dalit-Bahujan voices cannot be overstated. He gave a platform to overlooked narratives, introduced global perspectives, and inspired a generation of activists and writers.

His passing leaves a void in the Dalit-Bahujan intellectual landscape. Leaders like Lalu Prasad Yadav and organizations like BSP and BAMCEF failed to acknowledge his contributions, highlighting the challenges faced by independent intellectuals in India’s political sphere. However, tributes from Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin underscore his impact. Stalin aptly called him a "bold and uncompromising voice against caste oppression."

In reflecting on his life, I am reminded of his vision and the challenges he faced. Though Dalit Voice ceased publication, its influence endures. V.T. Rajashekar’s work reminds us of the power of independent thought and the courage required to confront entrenched systems of inequality.

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*Human rights defender