At a time when dissent is increasingly being treated as a threat rather than an essential part of democracy, the human rights group ANHAD (Act Now for Harmony and Democracy) organised Pratirodh Ka Jashn (Celebrating Resistance) at the Press Club of India, Raisina Road, New Delhi. The programme brought together poetry, music and cultural thought to reaffirm the importance of resistance in safeguarding democracy and the Indian Constitution.
In its statement, ANHAD said, “Resistance is not the enemy of democracy. It is one of its foundations.” The organisation added that “dissent is not disloyalty; it is an expression of democratic citizenship,” and warned that “a society that fears questions cannot build a confident democracy.”
The cultural evening featured noted Hindi poet Ashok Vajpeyi, who addressed the theme “Cultural Resistance and Its Changing Form.” According to the release, Vajpeyi highlighted the place of culture and independent thought in a democratic society.
Scientist, Urdu poet and documentary filmmaker Gauhar Raza recited poetry of resistance. The release noted that Raza represents a tradition in which poetry becomes “a voice against injustice and a means of defending human dignity.”
The musical presentations featured Mannu Kohli, Yusra Naqvi and Aditi Sharma, accompanied by Prince Chhokar on guitar. Kohli brought her engagement with Hindustani classical music and poetry into the programme; Naqvi represented the vitality of diverse musical traditions and independent cultural platforms; and Sharma, a cultural practitioner and social activist associated with people’s movements, brought “the spirit of resistance through song.”
The programme reiterated that cultural resistance is not confined to the stage, the written word or the streets. It is also reflected in “the refusal to remain silent, the courage to question injustice and the determination to defend the rights and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution.”
The message, ANHAD said, was clear: “Dissent is not a threat to democracy. Silencing dissent is. The right to question, disagree and resist must be protected and celebrated.”
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