Anand Teltumbde is one of the finest scholars I have had the honour of knowing. Not one of the finest Dalit or Ambedkarite scholars, but one of the finest scholars. His mind, multi-disciplinary in prowess and articulation (through teaching & writing) and unwavering in +

its intellectual integrity, yet ever ready to question itself, evolve its position... is an example of the fine kind of mind we need to lead the nation in the twenty first century. Anand has unhesitatingly taken on Right and Left and even his own earlier views, when needed. Such

a commitment to knowledge and truth in the face of all odds is truly reminiscent of the approach of that great intellectual giant who happily braved bouquets and brickbats, succumbing to neither, in the twentieth century- Babasaheb. That Anand and his family should be subject +

to the terrible ordeal they are being subject to today - on Ambedkar Jayanti - is no 'irony', dear friends. For if you believe so then you do not understand irony. His ordeal, representative of the ordeal many marginalised Indians are going through as well, is the truth of +

+ this country, dug out from the dirt, exposed to the sunlight of the day.

For example, read this piece - 'An Ambedkar For Our Times' https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/lead/an-ambedkar-for-our-times/article5859610.ece - Anand Teltumbde wrote six years ago when a debate on Ambedkar was raging in the intellectual circles. Observe the nuance, the honesty. Still a compelling read on Ambedkar Jayanti.

Any person, government or movement that believes it can drag a mind and dignity such as his through the muck with calumny and unjust practices is making a big mistake. They will only end up dragging themselves through the muck. I wish them the best with such an endeavour.

Meanwhile, do look up and read some of Anand's work (a lot of it is online- just Google his name). And read the details of his case too. After, if you will, think of signing these petitions/engaging with those who are involved. http://chng.it/k2yLmDNb6f ; http://aifrte.in/i-stand-anand  +

Also: https://www.facebook.com/groups/3046051042081801/ (Will keep adding as I find.)