Dadu Mandrekar

Dadu Mandrekar (c. 1957 – 26 November 2020) was an Indian Dalit rights activist, writer, poet, and photographer from Goa. He was a prominent figure in the Ambedkarite movement in the state and is noted for his literary works documenting the caste-based discrimination prevalent in Goan society. Mandrekar was also a staunch supporter of the Tibetan independence movement.

Life and activism Mandrekar was born in Mandrem, Goa. During his education at Mandre High School, he was influenced by the biography of B. R. Ambedkar and the Marathi novel Amrutvel by V. S. Khandekar.

Dalit rights and social work Mandrekar's activism focused on the eradication of caste-based discrimination and untouchability. He encouraged Dalit youth to abandon traditional caste-associated occupations, such as playing drums at temples and bamboo craftsmanship. He embraced Buddhism and worked to propagate its teachings alongside modern education within the Dalit community. He was also associated with the "green brigade" as an environmentalist. He edited the annual magazine Prajasattak, which published articles in Marathi, Hindi, and English on constitutional principles.