The group wrote a letter, which eventually made its way to the education minister, accusing Mr. Vemula of “casteist” and “anti-national” activity. The next month, Mr. Vemula, along with four other students, was suspended. In January, Mr. Vemula, who had once hoped to become a science writer in the tradition of Carl Sagan, committed suicide, hanging himself from a ceiling fan. Mr. Vemula should have been part of a national healing. Here was a student from among the lowest castes, attending one of India’s most prestigious universities.

Source: New York Times October 12, 2016 13:41 UTC