Who Is Gauri Lankesh? Age, Biography and Wiki
Gauri Lankesh, born on January 29, 1962, was a prominent Indian journalist and activist known for her fearless reporting and unwavering commitment to social justice. Tragically, she was killed in 2017, but her legacy continues to inspire many. In 2025, we reflect on her contributions to journalism and activism. At the time of her passing, Gauri was 55 years old; had she lived, she would have turned 63 in 2025.
| Occupation | Journalist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | January 29, 1962 |
| Age | 55 Years |
| Birth Place | Bangalore, Mysore State, India |
| Horoscope | Aquarius |
| Country | India |
| Date of death | 5 September, 2017 |
| Died Place | Bengaluru, Karnataka, India |
Popularity
Gauri Lankesh's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific details about Gauri Lankesh's height and weight are often overshadowed by her media presence, it is acknowledged that she was of average height and carried herself with grace and confidence. Her appearance was always marked by a distinct sense of style that complemented her vibrant personality.
On 5 September 2017, Gauri died after being shot by three unidentified men at her house in Rajarajeshwari Nagar, Bangalore. The men fired at least seven bullets at her at around 8 p.m. as she was unlocking the main door of her house after returning from her office.
One of the killers, who was waiting for her near her house, fired the first shots at her, while the two others, who are suspected to have followed her from her office, joined the initial shooter thereafter. The killers were wearing helmets and escaped on a two-wheeler Honda Dio after the murder.
Three of the bullets pierced Gauri's head, neck, and chest, killing her instantly.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Gauri Lankesh came from a well-respected family in the media and literary circles in Karnataka. She was the daughter of the acclaimed journalist, P. Lankesh. Gauri never married and was known to focus her energy on her career and activism, which speaks volumes about her commitment to societal causes over personal relationships.
Gauri Lankesh (29 January 1962 – 5 September 2017) was an Indian activist and journalist from Bangalore, Karnataka. She worked as an editor in Lankesh Patrike, a Kannada weekly started by her father P. Lankesh, and ran her own weekly called Gauri Lankesh Patrike. She was murdered outside her home in Rajarajeshwari Nagar on 5 September 2017.
At the time of her death, Gauri was known for being a critic of right-wing Hindu extremism. She was honoured with the Anna Politkovskaya Award for speaking against right-wing Hindu extremism, campaigning for women's rights and opposing caste based discrimination.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of her death, Gauri Lankesh's net worth was not extensively documented; however, as a respected journalist and editor, her earnings came primarily from her work in journalism, including her role at Lankesh Patrike, a well-known Kannada newspaper. Her dedication to her work and the causes she championed was her true wealth; her impact far exceeded monetary measures.
Gauri was given a state funeral with a gun salute on 6 September, after her body was kept for a few hours at Ravindra Kalakshetra for the public to pay tribute. She was buried in accordance with Lingayat customs. Her family did not follow any religious customs for her as she identified as a rationalist. The BBC described it as the most high-profile journalist murdered in recent years.
Career, Business and Investments
Gauri Lankesh made significant contributions to Indian journalism through her editorial work and her commitment to anti-establishment views. Known for her outspoken stance against right-wing extremism and social injustice, she ran her own newspaper, Gauri Lankesh Patrike. This platform allowed her to voice dissent against oppressive narratives and gave a voice to marginalized communities. Lankesh was also involved in various social movements, including those advocating for women's rights and press freedom in India.
Social Network
In the age of social media, Gauri Lankesh's influence extended beyond traditional journalism. She was active on various platforms, where she shared her views on pressing social issues. Even after her death, her social media presence continues to inspire discussions about her work and the ideals she stood for. Various hashtags, forums, and online movements have kept her spirit alive, engaging younger generations in her fight for justice.
The murder was condemned by several people and organisations, including the Indian National Congress and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. The Congress leader and Karnataka Home Minister Ramalinga Reddy compared the murder to that of Narendra Dabholkar and M. M. Kalburgi. Controversial statements by BJP MLA D. N.
Jeevaraj and Sri Ram Sena chief Pramod Muthalik were widely criticized. The state police chief, R. K. Dutta, refused to suggest any possible suspects without investigation. BJP leaders criticised the Congress-led state government for allegedly failing to protect the lives of Gauri and other writers like Kalburgi.
Protests over her death took place all across India, including a rally in Bangalore a week after the funeral attended by more than 25,000 people.
Education
Gauri Lankesh completed her higher education at the University of Bangalore and later at the University of Stanford, where she studied journalism. Her educational background laid the foundation for her critical thinking skills and her ability to analyze and report on social issues effectively.
Gauri was a staunch critic of right-wing Hindutva politics. In 2003, she opposed the Sangh Parivar's alleged attempts to Hinduise the Sufi shrine Guru Dattatreya Baba Budan Dargah located at Baba Budan giri.
In 2012, while participating in a protest demanding a ban on communal groups in Mangalore, she stated that Hinduism was not a religion but a "system of hierarchy in society" in which "women are treated as second-class creatures".
She endorsed a minority religion tag for the Lingayat community and headed the Komu Souharda Vedike, a communal harmony platform for the oppressed communities. She was also of the view that the followers of philosopher Basavanna were not Hindus.
Conclusion
Gauri Lankesh’s life and career remind us of the power of journalism as a tool for social change. Although she is no longer with us, her legacy persists in advocating for truth and justice in the face of adversity. As we look back in 2025, understanding her contributions enhances our appreciation for rights activists and journalists who prioritize integrity and courage in their work.
