Resistance rally and convention against ‘cultural fascism’ to be held in Dharwad on 4
A national resistance convention and ‘Pratirodha Samavesha mattu Rally’ will be held in Dharwad on Sunday (October 4) against ‘cultural fascism’ and attacks on pluralism, freedom of expression and constitutional values.
Organized by Janapara Sanghatanegala Okkuta, a coalition of grassroots organizations, the program will bring together writers, intellectuals, artists and representatives of various organizations to highlight concerns about threats to cultural diversity, freedom of expression, equality and human dignity.
One of the coordinators of the event, Mahesh Pattar, told a press conference in Dharwad that India’s cultural heritage is rooted in diversity, coexistence and harmony, values also enshrined in the constitution. He argued that organizations associated with the Sangh Parivar were attempting to promote cultural uniformity at the expense of the country’s pluralistic traditions.
He cited cases of alleged intimidation and defamation of progressive writers and intellectuals, including MM Kalburgi, UR Ananthamurthy, Prakash Raj, KS Bhagwan and Chetan, as examples of what he described as attacks on the progressive cultural sphere.
Chief coordinator Basavaraj Soolibhavi said organizers were also concerned about attacks on writers, theater artists and filmmakers and attempts to impose particular ideological interpretations through cultural platforms.
He referred to the killings of researcher MM Kalburgi and journalist Gauri Lankesh, the 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 messages in films such as The Kashmir Files and Kantara as part of their concerns about cultural expression and censorship.
He said the assembly 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 Dalits, Adivasi and other marginalized communities, form an integral part of its cultural heritage. He argued that attempts to privilege one set of religious and cultural practices undermined this diversity.
He also expressed concern over incidents involving students in universities, the treatment of Rohith Vemula, the 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 rally
The program will begin with a cycle race at 10 am from the residence of late scholar MM Kalburgi at Kalyan Nagar in Dharwad. The rally will pass through Jayanagar End Circle and KCD Circle before reaching RN Shetty Stadium.
The resistance march will begin at 11 am from the main entrance of the stadium and proceed through Jubilee Circle, District Court and Old SP Circle to Buddha Rakhhita School premises on Saundatti Road where it will be held at noon.
Among those expected to attend is writer Kum. Veerabhadrappa, KPCC president BK Hariprasad, actor Prakash Raj, activists SR Hiremath and Noor Sridhar, journalists Dinesh Amin Mattu and Shivasundar, writer Rahamath Tarikere, Mavalli Shankar and several other writers, activists and cultural figures.
Published – 02 Oct 2026 18:45 IST