Canadian city declares September 5 as 'Gauri Lankesh Day' as a tribute

Burnaby, a Canadian city, has declared September 5 as 'Gauri Lankesh Day' as a tribute to the noted journalist and activist. She was killed outside her residence in Bengaluru in 2017.

Her sister received the proclamation from Burnaby issued by Mayor Mike Hurley about observing GauriLankesh Day on September 2. "Now, therefore I, Mike Hurley, Mayor of Burnaby, do hereby proclaim September 5th as 'GauriLankesh Day' in the City of Burnaby," read the proclamation.

Mayor of Burnaby said that Gauri Lankesh was a courageous Indian journalist who stood up for truth and justice. She challenged superstition and social ills. The activist had dedicated her life to serving the poor and oppressed. He added that Gauri laid down her life in 2017 in her fight against repression and for human rights and Canadians of Indian heritage commemorate her death on September 5 every year.

The major added that the city of Burnaby celebrates the diversity of its community and recognises the contribution that Indo-Canadians have made to the social, economic, and cultural development of the city.

Kavita Lankesh said that she is very proud of her sister. "I feel the world is not bad after all. There is hope for truth, power, and freedom of the press. At least journalists are getting recognised and not just attacked all the time." She tweeted that Guari continues to live on. Gauri's brother Indrajeet Lankesh said that it is a proud moment for the family.

The veteran journalist was allegedly killed for her anti-Hindutva stand. The Special Investigation Team formed to probe her murder has arrested 18 people so far. The Supreme Court is currently hearing an appeal by Kavita challenging a Karnataka High Court order which quashed the Karnataka Control of Organised Crimes Act (KCOCA) against one of the accused.