Aakar Patel

Journalist, Writer, Political Activist, Human Rights Activist

Indian Surat, Gujarat

Quick Info

ProfessionJournalist, Writer, Political Activist, Human Rights Activist
NationalityIndian
Date of Birth15/12/1969
Age56 years
BirthplaceSurat, Gujarat

Latest News about Aakar Patel

08/2025

Aakar Patel, as a member of the jury for a People's Union for Civil Liberties independent tribunal, investigated the causes and impact of the 2023-2025 Manipur violence and published a report on its findings in August 2025.

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Bio/Wiki

Famous ForWriting columns against Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Narendra Modi; leading Amnesty International India and advocating for civil liberties and human rights
DesignationActivist, Journalist, Literary writer

Physical Stats & More

Eye ColorBlack
Hair ColorSalt and Pepper

Educational Qualification(s)

School(s)
  • Sir JJ English School, Surat, Gujarat
  • Metas Adventist School, Surat
College/UniversityThe Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda
Field of StudyTextile Technology

Personal Life

ReligionHinduism
HobbiesReading the translated texts of Greek and Rome

Relationships & More

Marital StatusMarried
Marriage Date14 December 1998
Family
Wife/SpouseTushita Patel
Parents
FatherAnil
SiblingsAshleshaa Khurana (author)

Career

Work History
  • Asian Age (trainee sub-editor)
  • Editor of Mumbai edition, Asian Age
  • Deccan Chronicle
  • Dorling Kindersley
  • Deputy Editor of Deccan Chronicle
  • Editor in Chief of Mid Day Multimedia Ltd
  • Editor-in-chief of Divya Bhasker (Gujarati newspaper)
  • Columnist for Mint Lounge
Notable WorkCo-authored the 'Rights and Wrongs' report on the 2002 Gujarat riots by the Editors Guild; Member of jury for People's Union for Civil Liberties independent tribunal investigating 2023-2025 Manipur violence
Appointments
  • Head of Amnesty International India in 2015
  • Chair of the Board of Amnesty International in India (current)
Books Authored
  • Why I Write: Essays by Saadat Hasan Manto (Editor and Translator) (2014)
  • The Anarchist Cookbook (2014)
  • Our Hindu Rashtra: What It Is. How We Got Here (2020)
  • Price of the Modi Years (2021)
  • After Messiah (2023)

Some Lesser Known Facts

1. Aakar is proficient in reading and writing Urdu.
2. In 2014, Aakar translated Saadat Hasan Manto's book 'Why I Write' into Hindi.
3. Being labeled as anti-national by BJP supporters is something Aakar experienced.
4. Investigative authorities conducted a raid at Amnesty International India during Aakar's tenure as head.
5. Aakar holds a strong affection for dogs.
6. Aakar has been seen smoking and drinking on multiple occasions.
7. He was prevented from leaving India in April 2022 due to a look-out circular issued by the CBI, related to his former role as head of Amnesty International India.
8. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) imposed a fine of Rs 10 crore on Aakar Patel in July 2022, citing FEMA violation in connection with Amnesty International India.
9. In December 2023, the CBI named Patel in a supplementary chargesheet in connection with its ongoing probe against Amnesty International India.
Information on this page is collected from public sources and may not be 100% accurate. Report an error
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