Premkumar says Cong fights communalism, calls for artistic freedom

Kottayam: Actor and former interim chairman of Kerala State Chalachitra Academy Premkumar said there was no other movement in the country except Congress that fights against communalism. He was speaking as chief guest at the closing ceremony of Utsav 2026 cultural festival organised by KPCC's cultural wing in Kottayam on Tuesday."Congress is the movement I wish to see prevail in India. People must remain vigilant against forces that divide individuals who should be living together with love, support and cooperation. There should be unconditional love among people," said Premkumar."In today's world, artists cannot freely express the thoughts they envision. Some have an agenda to divide the human community that should stand united. This is a time when dissenting voices are being silenced. Any infringement on human freedom is fascism. Freedom is paramount for humans," he said."Artists should have the freedom to express without boundaries and, more importantly, the freedom to voice their opinions. There should be freedom to express opinions fearlessly, without conforming to any framework," he added."To overcome challenges of the present, Nehru's vision is important. Jawaharlal Nehru's perspectives continue to be the driving force leading India forward. There are few world leaders with such a long-term vision. New rulers emerge based on changing political majorities, but the formation of communal majorities from these political shifts is dangerous," Premkumar pointed out.The event was chaired by cultural wing chairman C R Mahesh, MLA. Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan, MLA, Joseph Vazhakkan, M V Pradeepkumar, Jose Thomas, Alappuzha Ashraf, Salim Hasan, Philip Joseph and M K Shibu also spoke at the event.