Amid growing protests by Sahitya Akademi awardees, renowned poet and lyricist Gulzar said on Saturday that the trend of asking religion before name was never witnessed earlier. Gulzar said that the situation in the country has turned intense and communal harmony is being harmed to such a level that people are not allowed to even talk with freedom.
He said that the murder of MM Kalburgi did not take place due to writers' faults, instead it was a result of the government's incapability. The literary legend also defended the accusations that the writers were trying to 'politicise' their protest.
In a resolution passed on Friday, the Sahitya Akademi stressed the need to protect India's diverse culture, but sidestepped demands from protesters for holding a condolence meet for Kalburgi in Delhi and action against Akademi President Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari for his 'insensitive remarks'. It also steered clear of any mention of the Dadri lynching.
Video courtesy: ANI
Music courtesy: BigBangFuzz
