Dr. Suraj Yengde is one of India’s leading scholars, public intellectuals, and vocal advocates for caste and racial justice. Recognized among GQ’s “25 Most Influential Young Indians” and hailed as the “Most Influential Young Dalit” by Zee, he has emerged as a pioneering voice in the global discourse on caste, race, and social justice.
Academic Excellence and Global Footprint
Dr. Yengde’s academic journey spans four continents—Asia, Africa, Europe, and North America. He holds the distinction of being India’s first Dalit PhD graduate from an African university, earning his doctorate from the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg.
His expertise in caste and race studies has led him to prestigious academic positions, including:
- Senior Fellow at Harvard Kennedy School
- Non-Resident Fellow at the Hutchins Center for African & African American Research
- Research Associate at the Department of African & African-American Studies, Harvard University
- Visiting Scholar at the Centre for Research in Anthropology, University of Lisbon
Dr. Yengde has worked extensively with renowned philosophers, including Cornel West, and played a pivotal role in the Initiative for Institutional Antiracism and Accountability at Harvard University.
Author, Thought Leader, and Columnist
Dr. Yengde’s groundbreaking book, Caste Matters, became a national bestseller and was featured in The Hindu’s “Best Non-Fiction Books of the Decade.” His anthology, The Radical in Ambedkar, is an award-winning collection that explores the revolutionary ideas of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.
In addition to academic contributions, he is a prolific writer and columnist, with over 150 essays, articles, and book reviews published in multiple languages. His work focuses on caste, race, ethnicity, labor migration, and global South studies.
- “Dalitality” – A pioneering column in The Indian Express, the only mainstream print media column dedicated to Dalit-centric discourse.
- “Ambedkarwaad” – A monthly column in Lok Satta, bringing Ambedkarite thought to a Marathi-speaking audience.
Bridging Dalit and Black Activism
A strong advocate for Dalit and Black solidarity, Dr. Yengde has been at the forefront of global movements, co-organizing:
- “Dalit-Black Lives Matter” Symposium, highlighting parallels between caste and racial discrimination.
- Dalit and Black Power Movement, fostering transnational conversations on social justice.
His work with international organizations in Geneva, London, and New York has cemented his reputation as a global voice against caste and racial oppression.
Public Engagements and Policy Contributions
Dr. Yengde has advised governments, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), corporate bodies, and universities on policies related to:
- Caste and racial diversity
- Human rights and social justice
- Refugee policies and cross-border migration
- Organizational strategies for advocacy and social campaigns
At Harvard, he also runs the monthly Ambedkar Lecture Series, ensuring that discussions on caste and justice remain a part of global academic discourse.
Personal Interests and Legacy
Beyond academia and activism, Dr. Yengde is a font enthusiast, always on the lookout for new typography recommendations—an unexpected but fascinating aspect of his personality.
His life’s work is dedicated to challenging entrenched inequalities and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities on global platforms. With his scholarship, activism, and writing, he continues to redefine social justice discourse in India and beyond.
