Canada’s Burnaby city has taken a significant step to honor the legacy of Gauri Lankesh, a journalist and activist who was tragically killed outside her home in Bengaluru, India. In remembrance of her courageous work and commitment to social justice, September 5 has been officially designated as Gauri Lankesh Day. This proclamation was signed by the Mayor of Burnaby, located in British Columbia, marking a day of reflection on the values Lankesh stood for and the impact of her life and untimely death.
Who Was Gauri Lankesh?
Gauri Lankesh was a prominent Indian journalist known for her outspoken views and dedication to activism. She worked tirelessly as an editor and a journalist, advocating for the marginalized sections of society. Lankesh was at the helm of ‘Lankesh Patrike,’ a Kannada weekly founded by her father, P. Lankesh, and later established her own weekly called ‘Gauri Lankesh Patrike.’ Her journalism was marked by a bold stance against right-wing Hindu extremism, and she was a staunch supporter of women’s rights and vehemently opposed caste-based discrimination.
The Assassination of Gauri Lankesh
On September 5, 2017, Gauri Lankesh’s life was cut short when she was shot by assailants outside her Bengaluru residence. Investigations into her murder revealed that she was targeted by members of a gang with links to extremist groups. The motive behind her assassination is believed to be her anti-Hindutva stand—a position that criticized the ideology of Hindu nationalism and its associated socio-political actions. Her death sent shockwaves through India and the international community, highlighting the dangers faced by journalists and activists worldwide.
Burnaby’s Proclamation of Gauri Lankesh Day
The City of Burnaby’s decision to observe September 5 as Gauri Lankesh Day is a testament to the global resonance of her work and the principles she stood for. The Mayor’s proclamation is not only a gesture of solidarity with those who seek to uphold human rights and freedom of expression but also a call to remember the sacrifices made by journalists in their pursuit of truth and justice. By marking this day, Burnaby joins a collective voice advocating for the protection of journalists and the promotion of social equity.
Gauri Lankesh’s International Recognition
Gauri Lankesh’s fearless approach to journalism and activism garnered international attention, leading to her being posthumously honored with the prestigious Anna Politkovskaya Award. Named after the Russian journalist who was assassinated in Moscow, the award recognizes women human rights defenders from around the world who are facing persecution for their work. Lankesh’s receipt of this award underscores her significant contributions to fighting extremism and championing human rights, particularly in the context of her work supporting women and challenging caste discrimination.
The Impact of Gauri Lankesh’s Work
The legacy of Gauri Lankesh continues to inspire people across the globe. Her dedication to speaking truth to power and advocating for those without a voice has left an indelible mark on society. The observance of Gauri Lankesh Day in Burnaby serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggles for social justice and the importance of safeguarding the freedom of the press. It also encourages individuals and communities to reflect on their roles in upholding the ideals of democracy and human rights that Gauri Lankesh so fervently defended.
In recognizing Gauri Lankesh’s contributions, Burnaby city contributes to keeping her memory alive and highlights the critical role of journalists and activists in fostering a just and equitable society. As the world continues to grapple with issues of extremism, inequality, and suppression of dissent, commemorating Gauri Lankesh Day serves as a beacon of hope and a call to action for continued vigilance and advocacy for the values she embodied.
