Varanasi, Kolkata: Cancellations of cultural events under pressure raise concerns on freedom of expression

By A Representative 

The online programme of scientist, poet, and public intellectual Gauhar Raza, scheduled for September 23 at IIT-BHU, was cancelled after protests from Hindu fundamentalist groups. The decision follows a similar controversy earlier this month in West Bengal, where the Urdu Academy indefinitely postponed a four-day literary festival after Muslim organisations objected to the participation of lyricist and poet Javed Akhtar.

In Varanasi, Raza’s lecture at IIT-BHU was dropped at the last moment amid objections from Hindu groups. The development has sparked criticism from academics and cultural figures who view it as yet another instance of intolerance toward differing views.

In Kolkata, the Urdu Academy had planned a festival on the theme “Urdu in Hindi Cinema” from August 31 to September 3, with Javed Akhtar as chief guest for a mushaira. Organisations such as Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and the Wahyahin Foundation protested the invitation, claiming Akhtar had made remarks offensive to Islam. Protest letters described him as “anti-Muslim” and even used derogatory terms, while threatening state-wide agitation if he was not dropped. Facing the pressure, the Academy announced the programme’s postponement on August 30, a day before it was to begin. Reports suggest the event is unlikely to be revived, effectively amounting to cancellation.

Writers, intellectuals, and sections of civil society have expressed concern over these incidents, warning that yielding to sectarian pressure undermines both freedom of expression and the autonomy of cultural institutions. Critics say that literature, poetry, and debate—traditionally celebrated as spaces for dialogue—are increasingly being constrained by religious sensitivities and political considerations.

The Socialist Party (India), commenting on the Gauhar Raza case, called the cancellation “unfortunate” and cautioned that cultural and educational platforms must remain free from communal or political interference. The party underlined that silencing dissenting and progressive voices is “a dangerous sign” for India’s democratic and secular framework.

The two episodes, though arising from different regions and involving different communities, highlight a growing tendency for cultural programmes to come under attack from religious groups. Observers warn that if such pressures continue unchecked, the country’s literary and cultural institutions risk losing their independence and vitality.

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Pix: Javed Akhtar, Gauhar Raza