On January 17, 2016, Rohith Vemula, a research scholar at University of Hyderabad (UoH), was found dead in a hostel room. His death sparked a series of protests across the country. It was termed an 'institutional murder' by those who were demanding justice for Rohith.
Rohith, along with his friends, was being investigated for "casteist" and "anti-national" activities as members of Ambedkar Students Association (ASA). They were suspended and thrown out of their hostel and were forced to live on the street. After his death Rohith was subjected to even more humiliation by the BJP-led union government when his dalit identity was questioned.
It's been 8 years since Rohith took his life, leaving behind a life of struggle and a haunting last letter.