Resistance rally and convention against ‘cultural fascism’ to be held in Dharwad on October 4

Coordinators of Janapara Sanghatanegala Okkuta briefing the press in Dharwad on Friday (October 2). | Photo Credit: SPECIAL ARRANGEMENT

A State-level resistance convention and rally, ‘Pratirodha Samavesha mattu Rally’, against “cultural fascism” and attacks on pluralism, freedom of expression and constitutional values, will be held in Dharwad on Sunday (October 4).

The programme, organised by Janapara Sanghatanegala Okkuta, a coalition of people’s organisations will bring together writers, intellectuals, artists and representatives of various organisations and is intended to highlight concerns over threats to cultural diversity, freedom of expression, equality and human dignity.

Addressing a press conference in Dharwad, one of the coordinators of the event, Mahesh Pattar, said India’s cultural heritage was rooted in diversity, coexistence and harmony, values also enshrined in the Constitution. He alleged that organisations associated with the Sangh Parivar had been attempting to promote cultural uniformity at the cost of the country’s pluralistic traditions.

He cited instances of alleged intimidation and vilification of progressive writers and intellectuals, including M.M. Kalburgi, U.R. Ananthamurthy, Prakash Raj, K.S. Bhagwan and Chetan, as examples of what he described as attacks on the progressive cultural sphere.