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

20/08/2025

Aakar Patel served as a jury member for the People’s Union for Civil Liberties’ Independent People’s Tribunal on the ongoing ethnic conflict in Manipur, which released its report in New Delhi. The report concluded that the violence was not spontaneous but planned and ethnically targeted, and it held state failures and police complicity responsible for the breakdown of constitutional and legal protections.

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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
School(s
  • Sir JJ English School, Surat, Gujarat
  • Metas Adventist School, Surat

Personal Life

ReligionHinduism
HobbiesReading translated texts of Greek and Roman literature

Relationships & More

Marital StatusMarried
Marriage Date14/12/1998
Family
Wife/SpouseTushita Patel
Parents
FatherAnil Patel
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.
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