Activist and writer KM Salimkumar dies
Kochi: Dalit thinker, writer and activist K M Salimkumar passed away at Indira Gandhi Co-operative Hospital, Kadavanthra, Ernakulam, on Sunday. He was 76.
Born on March 10, 1949, in Velliyamattom panchayat, Idukki, Salimkumar studied at several institutions, including Maharaja's College, Ernakulam, where he became associated with the Naxalite movement in 1969.
He later worked with the CRC and CPI (ML) for nearly two decades and was imprisoned for 17 months during the Emergency.
A turning point came in 1989 when he publicly burned the Manusmriti in Vaikom, marking his shift towards organized dalit activism.
He went on to play leading roles in organizations like Adhasthitha Navodhana Munnani, Dalit Aikya Samithi and Kerala Dalit Mahasabha.
Salimkumar was a powerful voice in dalit literature, editing journals like Raktha Pathaka and Dalit Aikya Shabdam.
His major works include Samvarnavum Samavayathinte Rashtreeyavum, Negritude, Ithanu Hindu Fascism and Vamsamedhavithvathinte Sookshmathalangal.
His autobiography Kadutha is set to be published soon.
He leaves behind sons Dr P S Bhagat and P S Budha and grandchildren. His wife Anandavalli predeceased him.
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