Friends from Media,

Rohith Vemula's mother Radhika has been under attack from the the powers that be. They are keen to demonstrate that Rohith did not face caste discrimination by claiming that she is not a Dalit. No less than Ms. Smriti Irani and Ms.Sushma Swaraj gave a statement declaring that Rohith was not a Dalit. This is an atrocious claim that would be laughable for its ignorance if not for the dangerous implications that it has. Radhika's life long struggle as a single mother, as an abandoned wife in an inter-caste marriage, her lived experience as a a Dalit woman are under question.

We believe that this attack is a violation of her fundamental right to equality under the Indian Constitution. By deligitimizing her struggle as a single parent it reinstates the rule of patriarchal caste hierarchy. It makes the cruel claim that a child belongs to the father even after abandonment. This irresponsible discourse is subjecting a grieving Dalit mother to immense harassment and strain.

We belive that Rohith Vemula's mother Radhika needs our support and solidarity at this critical moment. We invite democratic individuals and organizations that believe in challenging casteist patriarchy to extend such support and solidarity.

Come and join us in extending solidarity to Rohith's mother Radhika.

Gogu Shyamala, M.Vinodini, Sujatha Surepally, K.Sajaya, A.Suneetha

On behalf of Solidarity Committee for Rohith Vemula's mother

Venue: Lamakaan Date: 4th February Time: 3.30 PM

http://www.huffingtonpost.in/sujatha-surepally/the-persecution-of-radhikb9087080.html

http://m.thehindubusinessline.com/blink/know/the-politics-over-rohith-vemulas-caste-is-meant-to-thwart-the-identity-he-chose-for-himself/article8163342.ece