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.
Chief coordinator Basavaraj Soolibhavi said the organisers were also concerned about attacks on writers, theatre practitioners and filmmakers, and attempts to impose particular ideological interpretations through cultural platforms.
He referred to the killing of researcher M.M. Kalburgi and journalist Gauri Lankesh, alleged intimidation of writer Perumal Murugan, and controversies over the representation of literary figures such as Basavanna, Kuvempu, Kumaravyasa and Lankesh in school textbooks.
He also cited controversies surrounding films, including Pathaan and Padmaavat, and alleged ideological messaging in films such as The Kashmir Files and Kantara, as part of their concerns about cultural expression and censorship.
He said the rally would seek to reaffirm the importance of constitutional democracy, freedom of expression, equality and inclusion.
Coordinator Gurunath Ullikashi said the country’s folk traditions, including festivals and religious practices associated with Dalit, Adivasi and other marginalised communities, formed an integral part of its cultural heritage. He alleged that attempts to privilege a single set of religious and cultural practices undermined this diversity.
He also raised concerns over incidents involving students at universities, the treatment of Rohith Vemula, alleged distortion of history, and controversies surrounding food choices, clothing and the use of Hindi. Other coordinators Rajeshwari Kattimani, Kumar Patil and Ramesh Bosale were present at the press conference.
Rally and convention
The programme will begin with a bike rally at 10 a.m. from the residence of the late scholar M.M. Kalburgi at Kalyan Nagar in Dharwad. The rally will pass through Jayanagar End Circle and KCD Circle before reaching the R.N. Shetty Stadium.
A resistance march will begin at 11 a.m. from the stadium’s main entrance and proceed through Jubilee Circle, the District Court and Old SP Circle to the premises of Buddha Rakhhita School on Saundatti Road, where the convention will be held at noon.
Among those expected to participate are writer Kum. Veerabhadrappa, KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad, actor Prakash Raj, activists S.R. Hiremath and Noor Sridhar, journalists Dinesh Amin Mattu and Shivasundar, writer Rahamath Tarikere, Mavalli Shankar and several other writers, activists and cultural personalities.
Published – October 02, 2026 06:45 pm IST
