The state-run Urdu Academy postponed a festival aimed at celebrating Urdu after two Islamic organisations objected to organisers’ decision to invite the poet-lyricist to speak. The cancellation has raised that uncomfortable question again — has the state ceded cultural ground to sectarian elements?
The Urdu Academy’s four-day festival in Kolkata was meant to be a celebration of cinema, Urdu, and poetry. Instead, it may now become a symbol of suppression of free speech.
Hours ahead of the inaugural session, the state-run body abruptly called off the event after two Islamic organisations objected to the presence of poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar, citing his outspoken atheism.
Hours ahead of the inaugural session, the state-run body abruptly called off the event after two Islamic organisations objected to the presence of poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar, citing his outspoken atheism.