Five years after Father Stan Swamy’s death, his life continues to ask difficult questions of India’s democracy.
Speaking at a memorial meeting in Bandra, Mumbai, Teesta Setalvad reflects on the extraordinary journey of the 84-year-old Jesuit priest who dedicated decades of his life to defending Adivasi communities, battling systemic injustice, achieving path-breaking victories through India’s judicial system.
Setalvad also recalls his constitutional values, his powerful writings, and the circumstances that led to his incarceration under the UAPA in the Bhima Koregaon case.
As his health deteriorated in custody, repeated pleas for bail were denied.
He died a sick man, a victim of a failed system.