Pics: Spoorthi Ullal

Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Feb 25: Senior journalist VT Rajshekhar Shetty, retired professor Muzaffar Asadi, and human rights activist PB D'Sa were once influential figures who touched the hearts of the common people and united the youth, said retired principal and secretary of Mahatma Gandhi Peace Foundation (R), Dr Ismail N.

He was speaking at a Nudi Namana (memorial tribute) event held at a private hotel in the city on Tuesday to honor Dalit Voice editor VT Rajshekhar, Prof Muzaffar Asadi, and PB D'Sa.

"Although they came from different communities, their thoughts were aligned," he said. Speaking about Muzaffar Asadi, he recalled that as the head of the political science department at Mysore University, he made significant contributions to the field. He was an intellectual who engaged deeply with students and viewed society with an open mind. However, as he never sought personal gains through organization-building, he was not given the opportunity to become the university's vice-chancellor," Dr Ismail said.

Speaking about PB D'Sa, he noted that he was more concerned about others than himself.

V T Rajshekhar: A modern-day Ambedkar

Salil Shetty, former secretary-general of Amnesty International and son of VT Rajshekhar, said that his father was a modern-day Ambedkar who tirelessly worked for the Dalit community. "Most of his writings were in English, which did not reach many Dalits. However, his ideas remain relevant forever," he added.

PB D'Sa's daughter, Preethika, recalled that her father led a simple life and, despite facing many challenges, dedicated himself to the welfare of others.

Karnataka Tulu Sahitya Academy president Taranath Gatti Kapikad and president of the Federation of SC/ST Organizations Lolaksha also spoke on the occasion.

Among those present were Mangaluru University professor MP Umeshchandra, advocates BA Mohammad Hanif, NG Mohan, Khalid Tannirbavi, Joshi Satyanand, Victor Crasta, Renny D'Souza, Bharathesh Bajal, Yusuf Waktar, Bawa Padarangi, Yogish Jeppu, Kantappa Alangaru, Sadashiva Salyan, Somappa Alangaru, Yadav Shetty, Dr Haridas Rai, Shahida, Dilshad, Shahin, and many others.