Central idea

Vontibettu Thimmappa Rajshekar Shetty (VTR) authored 30 books centering on caste, nation and religion

Key Highlights:

• Vontibettu Thimmappa Rajshekar Shetty (VTR) is a renowned figure in the Ambedkarite, anti-caste movement, known for his fearless journalism.
• Born in 1932, VTR played a significant role in shaping the intellectual discourse of the anti-caste sphere since the 1970s.
• Founder of the world-famous periodical Dalit Voice in 1981, VTR advocated for Dalit rights and challenged the Brahminical state order.

Challenges:

• Faced opposition and legal challenges, including being booked under India’s Terrorism and Anti-Disruptive Activities Act.
• Dalit Voice was forced to shut down due to assault by the BJP, rechristened as Brahmana Jaati Party.

Key Phrases:

• “Triumph of Ambedkarism”: VTR envisioned the 21st century as a period of triumph for Ambedkarism.
• “Caste as a nation within the nation”: VTR viewed caste as a separate entity rather than a subsidiary of the nation-state.

Critical Analysis:

• VTR’s journalism focused on exposing Brahminical hypocrisies and advocating for the rights of the oppressed.
• Fearless critiques of the caste system and Brahminical state order marked his intellectual contributions.
• VTR’s alignment with international radical movements showcased a commitment to broader social justice issues.
• Alliances with African-American movements and international solidarity reflected a global perspective on caste-based discrimination.
• Booking under India’s Terrorism and Anti-Disruptive Activities Act highlighted the resistance faced by VTR for his outspoken journalism.
• Dalit Voice’s closure due to opposition from the BJP underscores the challenges anti-caste voices encounter in political landscapes.
• Despite significant contributions, VTR and many anti-caste legends are often inadequately honored and celebrated.
• The proposed establishment of a national award for fearless journalists in V T Rajshekar’s name aims to recognize and honor his impactful work.

Key Examples and References:

• Founded Dalit Voice in 1981 and authored 30 books, including “Dalit: The Black Untouchables of India.”
• Inspired solidarity between Dalits and contemporary African-American activists.

Key Data:

• Born on July 17, 1932.
• Founded Dalit Voice in 1981.

Key Facts:

• VTR faced legal challenges, including being booked under India’s Terrorism and Anti-Disruptive Activities Act.
• Dalit Voice shut down due to opposition from the BJP.

Key Terms:

• Ambedkarism,
• Brahminical state order,
• Dalit Voice,
• Caste-based violence,
• Internationalism,
• Brahmana Jaati Party.

Way Forward:

• Recognition and celebration of VTR’s contributions to anti-caste journalism and social justice.
• Proposed establishment of a national award for fearless journalists in the name of V T Rajshekar to honor his legacy.

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