‘Gauri Day’, the commemoration of the 56th birth anniversary of journalist- activist Gauri Lankesh was organised in Bengaluru on Monday. Actor Prakash Raj, Freedom fighter H S Doreswamy, Gujarat MLA and Dalit leader Jignesh Mevani, JNU student leaders – Kanhaiya Kumar, Shehla Rashid, Umar Khalid, ‘Iron Lady’ Irom Sharmila, Gauri Lankesh's sister Kavita Lankesh were among others who attended the remembrance event.
The 55-year-old was shot dead from point-blank range by unidentified assailants outside her residence in Bengaluru on September 5, 2017. The brutal murder sparked a nationwide outrage from civil rights activists and journalists, as it was similar to those of rationalists Narendra Dabohlkar, Govind Pansare and M.M. Kalburgi. While a SIT appointed by the Karnataka government is probing into the case, so far, no major outcome has been achieved.
Speakers at the event have given a call for political agitation against the BJP.
As the Karnataka assembly election is scheduled in May this year, HS Doreswamy said that the election is a “litmus test” and gave a call for a political agitation against the “common enemy”, referring to the BJP.
Jignesh Mevani said that he will be campaigning against the saffron party in the Karnataka elections. He said that he will ensure that the 20 % Dalit electorate in the state will not go to the BJP.
Prakash Raj, Gauri Lankesh’s long-time friend, referring to those who celebrated her death, said, “Her death turned voices to bigger voices and that is the reason for this gathering. Few deaths are like that, it doesn't kill but creates…. when Gauri is silenced, I and many like me are created.” He concluded his speech by appealing to the audience to raise their voices and protest against injustices in the society.
Following Gauri Lankesh’s death, Prakash Raj became a vocal critic of politics around Hindutva. He began raising questions on the recent BJP politics in public meetings and through his social media handle.
The event organised by Gauri Memorial Trust was held in Bengaluru town hall and it also included songs dedicated to Gauri, sung by Sufi singer Sumati and Hulikunte Murthy.
Books titled, “Nanu Gauri”, “Gauri Hoo” and a collection of essays written by her were released at the event.