Amid growing protests by Sahitya Akademi awardees, renowned poet and lyricist Gulzar said on Saturday that the trend of asking religion before one’s name was never witnessed earlier. Gulzar said that polarisation has intensified and communal harmony is being harmed to such an extent that people do not even have the freedom to speak their mind.
In a resolution passed on Friday, the Sahitya Akademi stressed the need to protect India’s diverse culture, but sidestepped demands from protesters to hold a condolence meet for Kalburgi in Delhi and take action against Akademi President Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari for his ‘insensitive remarks’. It also steered clear of any mention of the Dadri lynching.
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