Rohit Vemula, The Modern Ekalavya

Rohit,

There’s so much to your name;

But so much more to your karma.

In Hindi your name says the color red;

That’s the very color of earth bed,

From which you came,

To the same was your retreat.

They reviled you “inferior birth”;

But feared, for they knew your worth. 

In Sanskrit, you’re the first ray of sun;

Bright and vibrant, delight to anyone.

You filled our hearts with rays of hope,

The one with wisdom, always atop.

Marathi, you’re the flamingo bird;

From blazing fire, came that word. 

By every means you lived your name;

A boon indeed, that everyone aim.

For brahmanics, you were Ekalavya,

Who excelled than their superior Arjuna’s.

Dronacharya took his thumb as dakshina,

They went ahead, and took your pranah. 

~ Here’s my tribute to Rohit Vemula, the 2nd year PhD scholar of University of Hyderabad, yet another victim of the Bhrahmanic politicians of India. He was a dalit, who became the prey of BJP-ABVP politicians for his works to bring Dalits and Muslims together to act against the casteism. He was expelled from hostel on false allegations and were striking at the campus with some fellow dalit students.  Click here to read more. He hanged himself in a hostel room, leaving a note.