Gauri Lankesh was a journalist and activist from India who was known for her outspokenness and commitment to social justice. She was assassinated in 2017, but her legacy lives on through the work of other journalists and activists who continue to fight for freedom of expression and social justice in India.
Early Life and Career:
Gauri Lankesh was born on January 29, 1962, in Bengaluru, Karnataka. Her father, P. Lankesh, was a well-known journalist and founder of the weekly tabloid “Lankesh Patrike.” Gauri grew up in a family of progressive thinkers and writers, and she inherited her father’s passion for journalism and social activism.
After completing her studies in English literature, Gauri began her career as a journalist at “The Times of India” in Bengaluru. She later worked for several other publications, including “Sunday” and “Sakaal Times.”
In 2005, Gauri started her own weekly newspaper called “Gauri Lankesh Patrike.” The newspaper was known for its strong editorial stance and its coverage of social and political issues that were often ignored by mainstream media. Gauri was an outspoken critic of the right-wing ideology and the Hindu nationalist groups that were gaining prominence in Indian politics.
Activism and Assassination:
Apart from her work as a journalist, Gauri was also actively involved in social and political activism. She was a vocal supporter of women’s rights, minority rights, and freedom of expression. She was also a member of the Communist Party of India (Marxist).
Gauri’s activism and journalism made her a target of right-wing groups who saw her as a threat to their ideology. On September 5, 2017, Gauri was assassinated outside her home in Bengaluru by two unidentified gunmen. Her death was widely condemned by journalists, activists, and politicians from across the political spectrum.
Legacy:
Gauri Lankesh’s legacy lives on through the work of other journalists and activists who continue to fight for freedom of expression and social justice in India. The Gauri Lankesh Foundation was established in her memory to promote the values and causes that she stood for.
Gauri Lankesh was a fearless journalist and activist who never shied away from speaking truth to power. Her legacy will continue to inspire generations of journalists and activists to fight for a more just and equal society.
Conclusion:
Gauri Lankesh was a courageous journalist and activist who fought tirelessly for social justice and freedom of expression in India. Her assassination was a tragic loss for the country, but her legacy lives on through the work of other journalists and activists who continue to fight for the causes that she stood for. Her life and work continue to inspire people around the world to speak out against injustice and to fight for a more just and equal society.