Fri Dec 06 16:29:27 UTC 2024: ## Prominent Dalit Activist Anand Teltumbde Released from Jail, Receives Award
**Chennai, [Date]:** Anand Teltumbde, a renowned scholar, writer, human rights activist, and former political prisoner, received a copy of the book “Ellorukkumana Thalaivar Ambedkar” (Ambedkar: A Leader for All) today. The book, a collaborative effort between Vikatan Publications and Voice of Common, was presented by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin. Former Madras High Court Judge K. Chandru was also present at the ceremony.
Teltumbde, born into a marginalized family in Rajur village, Yavatmal district, Maharashtra in 1951, has achieved significant academic success. He holds a Mechanical Engineering degree from Visvesvaraya National Institute of Technology, an MBA from the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, and a PhD in cybernetic modeling from the University of Mumbai. He also received an honorary doctorate from Karnataka State Open University. He is married to Rama, a granddaughter of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
A prolific writer, Teltumbde has authored numerous books on Dalit liberation and Ambedkarite studies, including “Post-Ambedkar Dalit Movements,” “Ambedkarites: Crisis and Challenges,” “Union Government and Federalism,” and “Dalits Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow.” His work often highlights the need for closer ties between Marxist and Ambedkarite movements in the fight for Dalit liberation.
Teltumbde was arrested in 2020 in connection with the 2018 Bhima Koregaon violence, allegedly for his participation in a meeting whose speeches were deemed to have incited the violence. He spent two years in jail before being granted bail in November 2022. His release and the award highlight his continued contributions to social justice despite facing significant adversity.
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