In defence of democracy: Keralam’s cultural icons band together with Gen Z in Thrissur

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Cultural activists, human rights defenders and representatives of political and social organisations take part in the ‘Raise the Flag of Freedom’ solidarity march organised by the Democratic Secular Collective in Thrissur on Friday, expressing solidarity with protests in Delhi against the alleged denial of voting rights and citizenship. | Photo Credit: K.K. NAJEEB

A stirring message of intergenerational solidarity resonated in Thrissur as a galaxy of cultural personalities, who had stood up to injustice and fought for democratic rights in their own times, joined hands with a new generation of protesters. In a symbolic gesture of solidarity, they handed over the National Flag and a copy of the Constitution to students, reaffirming their commitment to the struggle for democracy and secularism.

Writers K. Satchidanandan, Sarah Joseph, K.G. Sankara Pillai, Kalpetta Narayanan, K.V. Ramakrishnan, Ravunni and Ashokan Charuvil, filmmaker Priyanandanan, and actor Rima Kallingal were among those who participated in the gathering organised by the Democratic Secular Collective at the Basheer venue of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi on Friday in support of the protests at Jantar Mantar.

The flag and Constitution were received by Sanoop Dev, South India coordinator of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP); Neelanjana, chairperson of Kerala Varma College Union; Ayesha, Arts Secretary of the Law College; and Mohammed Shahab, chairman of the Medical College Union.

Poet K. Satchidanandan opened the programme by reciting his poem Nadakku, Nadakku (March On). Handing over the flag, he said, symbolised the transfer of responsibility to the younger generation.

K.G. Sankara Pillai observed that protests against fascism had consistently drawn participation far beyond expectations. He recited a poem beginning with the lines, “When fascism rules the land, courageous hearts shall come together.”

Describing the present as a time when believers in democracy and proponents of the Hindutva agenda stood face to face, Sarah Joseph said raising the National Flag was an act of reclaiming the Constitution and democracy.

Sahitya Akademi President Kalpetta Narayanan alleged that a process of filtering citizens to determine who belonged in a fascist India was under way under the leadership of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. He expressed the hope that he would never have to regret remaining silent in the face of injustice.

Actor Rima Kallingal said she had immense respect for the younger generation, which had taken to the streets without surrendering despite challenges and had succeeded in awakening the older generation. She said she felt proud to share the platform with them.

Ashokan Charuvil said the younger generation had taught society an important lesson: crises could be confronted only through the participation and solidarity of those affected. Ravunni remarked that it was a time when young people were leading the older generation by the hand.

K.V. Ramakrishnan and Anwar Ali added to the gathering with poetry recitals. P.N. Gopikrishnan, M.P. Surendran, Priyanandanan and P.S. Iqbal also addressed the meeting.

Earlier, hundreds joined a solidarity rally that began near the CMS School premises and culminated at the venue at Sahitya Akademi. The evening also featured a vibrant array of resistance art, including hip-hop performances, songs by the band Oorali, folk music and poetry recitals. The cultural programmes continued until 10 p.m.

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