India Unites for Non – Violence and Harmony, a non-political, citizen led initiative organized a campaign in Mumbai from January 23-

30, 2019 to commemorate the 71st anniversary of Gandhiji’s martyrdom. Various civil society organizations, academics and activists came together

on the anniversary of Gandhiji’s martyrdom to appeal to the nation to resist and confront the growing culture of violence facing the country.

Mahatma Gandhi was shot dead on January 30, 1948 at 17:17 hours as he headed towards a multi-faith prayer meeting. He was assassinated by fundamentalist forces opposed to his idea of Swaraj promoting nation-building on the principles of equality of all citizens, Hindu -Muslim unity and communal harmony. Gandhi's Swaraj focussed on the composite nature of Indian nationalism. Under Gandhi's leadership, the freedom movement successfully mobilized and drew people into the struggle for independence against colonial rule: men and women, people from all faiths, regions, speaking different languages, having varied castes, traditions, customs, cultures, beliefs and inhabitants of both rural and urban areas. He dreamt of an India where people lived together and respected each other's differences; where interactions, protest and negotiations would be shaped by the principle of non-violence/ahimsa. Today, 70 years after independence, we are witnessing a rise in hatred and prejudices based on religion, caste, gender, sexuality, region and class. Society is becoming increasingly intolerant and violent. Communal violence, caste based violence and hate crimes are on the upsurge. As citizens we can no longer be silent spectators to this growing ill will, hatred and violence. We must come together to protect the secular, pluralistic and democratic fibre of the country. India Unites Convention on Non Violence and Harmony was organised at Sophia Bhabha Auditorium on January 30, 2019 from 4pm -10pm at Sophia Bhabha Auditorium, Mumbai. The convention was organized by Anhad, CPD (Mumbai), CSSS (Mumbai), India Inclusive , ICWM- Mumbai, PUCL- Maharashtra, YWCA of Bombay. The speakers included Antara Dev Sen ( journalist, editor Little Magazine), Justice Chelameswar (retd. Supreme Court Judge), Javed Akhtar (poet, lyricist & screenwriter), Kawalpreet Kaur (student leader), Admiral L Ramdas (former Chief of the Naval Staff), Meeran Chadha Borwankar (former DG, Bureau of Police Research and Development), Nayantara Seghal (writer) & Pradnya Daya Pawar (Marathi poet & fiction writer). The speeches were followed by cultural performances on the theme by Dolly Thakore (theatre actress), Gauhar Raza (poet & scientist), Imaad Shah (actor & musician), Lynn D'souza (vocalist), Mannu Kohli (singer), Nazneen Shaikh (activist singer), Purva Naresh (playwright & dancer), Saba Azad ( actor & singer) and Vasu Primlani (internaional stand-up comedian)  

The convention and performances have been shot and edited by Anhad Media, an independent group of filmmakers: Mohan Kumawat , Sania Hashmi & others.    

We are releasing the videos of all speakers. We will be releasing the links for cultural performances tomorrow. 

Kindly do Watch and circulate to your networks and friends. 

Media friends do write and share if you can.  

Shabnam hashmi

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