February 5, 2025
Professor G.N. Saibaba is a renowned academic and activist, whose life and work exemplify the fight for social justice and human rights. Despite being 90% disabled and wheelchair-bound due to post-polio paralysis, he has made significant contributions to the academic world as a professor at Delhi University. His activism has focused on marginalized communities, particularly advocating for the rights of tribal people and opposing state violence.
However, his activism led to his arrest in 2014, with accusations of alleged links to Maoist groups, leading to a life sentence in 2017. Many believe his conviction is politically motivated due to his outspoken criticism of state policies. His incarceration has raised concerns about human rights, especially given his deteriorating health and the inadequate medical care he receives in prison. International human rights organizations, activists, and academics have called for his release, citing his wrongful conviction and the inhumane conditions of his imprisonment.
Professor Saibaba’s story continues to inspire many, standing as a symbol of resistance, fighting for the voiceless despite personal suffering and adversity. His case also highlights the broader issues of dissent and state repression in India.
The death of Professor G.N. Saibaba is a tragic testament to the deep-rooted discrimination faced by Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in India. Despite being a distinguished scholar and activist, his disability was disregarded, and he was subjected to inhumane treatment throughout his imprisonment. His passing sheds light on the lack of seriousness towards the rights and dignity of disabled individuals in the country.
Professor Saibaba’s suffering, exacerbated by inadequate medical care and harsh prison conditions, mirrors the broader apathy in India towards ensuring equal treatment for PWDs. His death is a painful reminder of how systemic neglect, state violence, and discrimination continue to deny the disabled community their basic rights, even when international conventions and national policies exist to protect them.
His case must now serve as a rallying call for greater accountability, pushing India to recognize the humanity of all its citizens, especially the most vulnerable, and to ensure that the rights of PWDs are respected and upheld with the seriousness they deserve.
