New Delhi: On the 10th death anniversary of Dalit student Rohith Vemula on Saturday, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the reality for youngsters from the community remains unchanged on Indian campuses and stressed the urgent need for an anti-discrimination law.

Vemula, a 26-year-old student of the University of Hyderabad, died by suicide on January 17, 2016, following alleged harassment. His death sparked nationwide protests against caste-based discrimination in higher education institutions.

Gandhi reflects on Rohith’s aspirations

In a post in Hindi on X, Gandhi wrote:

"Today marks 10 years since Rohith Vemula's passing. But Rohith's question still resonates in our hearts: Does everyone in this country have an equal right to dream?"

He added, "Rohith wanted to study, he wanted to write. He wanted to understand science, society and humanity to make this country a better place. But this system could not tolerate a Dalit's progress."

Casteism and exclusion still prevalent

Gandhi highlighted the systemic discrimination that Rohith faced, saying:

"Institutionalised casteism, social exclusion, daily humiliation, language that reminded him of his 'place' and inhumane treatment — this was the poison that pushed a promising young man to a point where his dignity was stripped away and he was left alone."

He warned that little has changed for Dalit students:

"And today? Has the reality for Dalit youth changed? The same contempt on campus, the same isolation in hostels, the same feeling of inferiority in classrooms, the same violence — and sometimes, the same death. Because caste is still the biggest admission form in this country."

Call for the Rohith Vemula Act

Gandhi insisted that the Rohith Vemula Act is a necessity, not a slogan. "So that caste-based discrimination in educational institutions becomes a crime, strict action is taken against the perpetrators and the freedom to break, silence and exclude any student on the basis of their caste is ended," he said.

He urged young people to take action:

"Dalit youth — raise your voices, organise yourselves, stand with each other. Demand: Implement the Rohith Vemula Act now. We need an anti-discrimination law now."

The Congress governments in Karnataka and Telangana are reportedly in the process of implementing the law as soon as possible.

"We want an India that is just, humane and equal — where no Dalit student has to pay for their dreams with their life. Rohith, your fight is our responsibility," Gandhi concluded.