With profound sadness, we at Hindus for Human Rights mourn the passing of Sitaram Yechury, a stalwart of India's leftist movement and a tireless advocate for secularism, social justice, and democratic values. Yechury, who was 72, succumbed to a respiratory illness after a period of declining health. His death marks the end of an era for the Indian political landscape and leaves behind a legacy of courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to the marginalized.

A leader of the Communist Party of India (Marxist) and a prominent figure in Indian politics, Yechury dedicated his life to challenging authoritarianism, communalism, and the rise of majoritarian ideologies. He was a vocal critic of the forces that sought to divide India along religious lines, persistently advocating for a vision of the country that remained true to its constitutional values of pluralism and inclusion.

Throughout his career, Yechury was known for his oratory brilliance and sharp intellect, bringing clarity and compassion to debates that defined India’s path forward. He was instrumental in shaping the policies of the CPI(M), focusing on labor rights, social welfare, and equality. His relentless efforts on behalf of the working class, farmers, and other oppressed communities echoed the spirit of justice and human dignity that Hindus for Human Rights also strives to uphold.

Yechury's passing has sparked a wave of tributes across the nation, from political colleagues to ordinary citizens who found in him a champion for their struggles. In Karnataka, leaders from various political affiliations gathered in Belagavi to honor his contributions and recall his ability to reach across political divides in the pursuit of justice. His profound commitment to secularism was not merely theoretical; it was lived, vocalized in public forums, and evident in his actions on the ground.

We remember Sitaram Yechury for his firm belief that India’s strength lies in its diversity and that the future of the nation rests on upholding the values enshrined in the Constitution. As we bid farewell to a giant in the struggle for human rights, we renew our commitment to the ideals he stood for — a commitment to a free, just, and equitable society where every voice is heard, and every life matters.

Rest in power, Sitaram Yechury. Your spirit lives on in every fight for justice and every call for a better, more inclusive India.