M A I N   N E W S

Pioneer of anti-Mandal stir Rajiv Goswami dead

New Delhi, February 24
Rajiv Goswami, who grabbed the headlines when he attempted self-immolation protesting against the implementation of the Mandal Commission’s recommendations in 1990, died here today after a prolonged illness at the age of 33.

Goswami, who is survived by his wife and two children, died at a private hospital here around noon, family members said. He was suffering from a liver problem and was hospitalised since February 13, they said.

Doctors attributed his death to failure of his liver and kidneys, the family members said.

Goswami had attempted self-immolation in front of his South Delhi college in October 1990 to protest against job reservation for backwards as recommended by the Mandal Commission.

Although he survived, his action sparked a series of self-immolations by college students and led to a formidable movement against reservation. — PTI