
Social justice activists came together on Sunday, October 13 at Holland Park in Surrey to raise their voices against the death of a former Delhi university Professor in India. GN Saibaba passed away following health issues that worsened because of inhuman treatment in jail. A human rights defender, who stood up for the rights of the poor and marginalized, including the indigenous peoples of India, Saibaba was branded as a sympathizer of Maoist insurgents before being thrown behind bars. He was convicted after being framed on trumped up charges.
A scholar who taught English literature, Saibaba was physically challenged and suffered with multiple ailments. The UN had also advocated for his release on compassionate grounds. But the Indian government remained adamant and refused to free him. He wasn’t even given an opportunity to see his mother on her death bed. Although he was acquitted and released a few months ago, after serving seven years, his health condition continued to deteriorate.
The Sunday event was organized by Radical Desi, an online magazine that covers alternative politics. It had previously launched a petition asking the Canadian government to intervene for his liberation. The speakers unanimously held the Indian government responsible for his death and accused those in power of his “murder”. They lit candles in his memory, and held out signs that read “Long Live Saibaba “. They also raised slogans against the Indian authorities. A moment of silence for Saibaba was held at the beginning.
Among the speakers were Jennifer Sherif, an indigenous educator who opened the event with a land acknowledgment and John Yajala, a leader of the Telugu Christian community in B.C. Notably, Saibaba was also from the Telugu community. Others who participated were community activist Sahib Singh Thind, prominent Punjabi poet Amrit Diwana, well known Sikh activists Raj Singh Bhandal, Kulwinder Singh, Gian Singh Gill and Sangram Singh, eminent human rights activist Sunil Kumar, famous media personalities Gurvinder Singh Dhaliwal and Bhupinder Malih, women rights activist Shabnam, besides Radical Desi cofounder Gurpreet Singh.
Gurpreet Singh is a journalist