Udupi: Veteran thinker, activist G. Rajashekhar passes away at 75
Udupi: Veteran thinker, writer, critic, and activist G. Rajashekhar (75), passed away after battling rare health condition here in Udupi on Wednesday evening.
The writer and activist had been suffering Progressive Supra-Nuclear Palsi (PSP or Atypical Parkinson's) since 2019. He was admitted to the hospital in a critical condition due to a lung-related health issue. Despite receiving emergency treatment in the Intensive Care Unit, he breathed his last on Wednesday after the treatments proved to be ineffective.
Known for his strong stance against communalism, Rajasekhar raised his voice against this issue and was at the forefront of all the struggles against it. He used to visit the areas that were affected by communal riots and speak to the people there and write fact-finding reports concerning these instances. He was always willing and ready when it came to participating in the struggles for the rights of minorities, Dalits, and other oppressed sections of society.
G. Rajashekhar was known for his direct, insightful words and analyses. He was especially considered a very close associate, friend, and mentor of rights activists in the coastal districts and a fellow supporter of all pro-people movements.
The deceased is survived by his wife, two sons, and a legion of friends, well-wishers, and admirers.
“My father lived an extraordinary life. He possessed a stunning intellect that was evident even during his last days. His life was marked by great courage -- he always stood up for what's right. Most importantly, he was an incredibly kind and sensitive human being.” His sons G Vishnu, Journalist, and G Raghunandan, artist and an engineer said in an official family statement.
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UP Cong holds statewide protest seeking probe into FIR against Swami Avimukteshwaranand
Lucknow (PTI): The Uttar Pradesh Congress on Wednesday staged a statewide protest demanding a fair and transparent inquiry into the FIR lodged against Swami Avimukteshwaranand Saraswati and those who filed the complaint against him.
In a statement issued here, the party said memorandums addressed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi were submitted through district magistrates in all districts of the state.
Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesperson Manish Hindvi told PTI that the memorandums were handed over through the district administration in all 75 districts.
In the memorandum, the party alleged that Saraswati and his disciples were "unnecessarily harassed and humiliated" by police on the occasion of Amavasya and were prevented from taking a ritual bath (at the Magh Mela). It further alleged that some disciples were manhandled and taken to a police station.
The memorandum also claimed that an FIR was later registered against Saraswati, his disciple Swami Mukundanand Brahmachari and several unidentified persons in a sexual harassment case. It termed the case a "conspiracy" aimed at tarnishing the seer's reputation.
Citing Articles 25 and 26 of the Constitution, the memorandum stated that these provisions guarantee religious freedom and the right of religious denominations to manage their own affairs.
It described the position of shankaracharya held by Saraswati as "one of the highest spiritual posts in Sanatan tradition" and alleged that the entire episode appeared to have been "orchestrated in a planned manner".
"We request that the background of the persons who got the FIR registered be investigated in a transparent manner by a retired high court judge and strict action be taken against them," the memorandum said.
It also sought a "fair and transparent probe" into the allegations levelled against Saraswati so that the truth could be established.
Earlier, Uttar Pradesh Congress president Ajay Rai had told reporters in Varanasi after meeting Saraswati that the party stood firmly with him.
The Congress said it would continue to press for an impartial inquiry into the entire episode.
On February 21, an FIR was lodged in Prayagraj against Saraswati and his disciple Mukundanand Brahmachari on charges of sexually abusing two persons, including a minor, over the past year at a gurukul and religious congregations, including the recently concluded Magh Mela.
Days after he was booked, Saraswati had said on Monday that he would not oppose his arrest and asserted that the "fabricated story" would be exposed sooner or later.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Saraswati alleged that criminals rule in Uttar Pradesh, level allegations and influence investigations, as he denied having any contact with the two persons for whose alleged sexual abuse he has been booked.
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