injustices he witnessed, to which he responded vocally and creatively. In 1990, during the heyday of
Mandal-Mandir agitations, Karnad wrote Taledanda which explored the emergence of Lingayatism
as a radical reform movement in the 12th century and criticised the intellectuals who were silent dur-
ing the Emergency. Karnad remained as a strong defender of secularism and liberal values even at the
stake of his life from the Hindu right wing. He was critical about the 2002 Gujarat riots which saw
the slaughtering of innocent lives when Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister. He remained critical
about Narendra Modi, and spoken out against the cow vigilantism, curtailing freedom of expression,
growing hatred and intolerance, and murders of rationalists and journalists in the country.
The flood of eulogies appearing on Karnad shows the vacuum he left behind as a towering figure who
decentralized his talents to various spheres. He left us in the journey to fulfil the dream of secular and
plural India with democratic and social ethos. We are at the crossroads to decide our future without
slipping away to the dogmas of past and Karnad will remain as an inspiration, and it is unlikely that
his legacy will be forgotten as a fighter of humanity.
Girish Karnad attending a public meeting with a placard written ‘Me too urban naxal’
over his chest