Rohith Vemula studied science, loved poetry

Hyderabad: He was popular not just on campus but also in the virtual space. A voracious reader of revolutionary Dalit literature, Rohith Vemula often shared excerpts from the works of scholars on his Facebook wall that inspired and educated others like him. Predictably, many eagerly waited for Rohith's postings.
His friends recall how the young student - who was supposed to celebrate his 27th birthday on January 30 -- had written several short stories and poems that he wanted to publish someday."I knew him for the past three years. He was a well-read and joyful person. He had keen interest in poetry," said S Harinath, a research scholar at UoH.
But literature wasn't Rohith's only love. The second year PhD scholar was equally passionate about science, technology and environment. Apart from studying these subjects extensively - the topic of his thesis was 'science, technology and society studies' -- the boy from Guntur also followed every development taking place across the world, in these fields.
He also took keen interest in politics and was an active member of the Ambedkar Students Association (ASA). Rohith was at the forefront of activities organised by ASA and strongly believed in ASA's motto: 'educate, agitate and organise'.
In his spare time, his friends say, the spirited young man indulged in rock climbing on the university campus where he landed in 2012. The son of Radhika Vemula, Rohith came to UoH to join the sociology department. Given his outstanding academic track record, he secured two national fellowships -- Junior Research Fellow and Rajiv Gandhi National Fellowship for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes. Under the schemes, he received a grant of nearly Rs 20,000 every month to support his education.
He also sent a part of this back home to his mother - a tailor by profession. Rohith's father who worked as a security guard has been missing for several years now. His younger brother Raja Vemula is employed with the National Geophysical Research Institute (NGRI) and lives in Uppal.
Bogged down by the financial struggles of his family, Rohith's friends share how he hoped to become a science writer someday and put an end to this crisis.
"Rohith always showed keen interest in revolutionary literature. Especially literary works penned by Dalit writers. While, he was academically sound, it was subjects like, science and technology that peaked his interest," said Ramji, one of Rohith's friends.
Even family members shared how the boy was extremely meritorious and hard-working. "He was always a bright student, he never had any problem. What pushed him to take this step, is a question that will elude us forever," said Vasudha Vemula, Rohith's aunt, fighting back her tears.