The National Dalit Christian Watch (NDCW) stands with countless voices across the country in mourning the loss of Fr. Stan Swamy, the Jesuit priest and relentless advocate for Adivasi rights, who passed away in judicial custody on July 5, 2021. His death serves as a reminder of the ongoing resistance against the brutality in the form of state violence, which is faced by those who choose to support the oppressed in today’s India.
Fr. Stan Swamy’s life was marked by deep compassion and unwavering commitment. He stood alongside Adivasis, Dalits, and other marginalised groups, amplifying their struggles and advocating for justice, dignity, and rightful access to land and livelihood. Due to this, he was labelled a threat. At the age of 84, while suffering from Parkinson’s disease, he was arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) in connection with the Bhima Koregaon Elgar Parishad case—a law often used to silence human rights defenders. While in detention, he was deliberately denied timely medical care, which ultimately contributed to his death. What happened to Fr. Stan Swamy is not just an individual tragedy; it reflects the state’s growing intolerance toward dissent and its use of repressive laws to stifle democratic voices. His death serves as a powerful indictment of a system that fears the truth.
On this solemn day, NDCW remembers and honours Fr. Stan—not as a victim, but as a prophetic witness, whose courage continues to challenge the conscience of the Church, the State, and civil society. His legacy calls each of us to stand firmer, speak louder, and resist stronger against caste discrimination, state violence, and all forms of injustice.
