Solidarity from JNU

FTII Students Protest - Press Release

Letter of support- Aman Biradari

Aman Biradari expresses deep distress over the violent attack on five students of FTII on 21 August, 2013 by activists of the ABVP. This reflects a growing climate of not just intolerance but also all progressive, egalitarian, secular and humanist streams of thought and cultural expression. The ABVP and other organisations are free to hold differing political and social views precisely because this is a democracy, but they forget that the hallmark of a democracy is mutually respectful debate, not the violent suppression of opposing ideologies. It is this same violent intolerance to rationalist and progressive thought that resulted in the tragic murder of Narendra Dhabolkar. The liberal, pluralist and creative space of the FTII, and institute of excellence, must be preserved, as must the larger social traditions of respectful engagement with differing viewpoints, tolerance, democracy and non-violence.

Harsh Mander

Aman Biradari,

105/6-A, Adhchini,

Aurobindo Marg,

New Delhi - 110017

Letter of support from L.V. Prasad Film and TV Academy

Dear Friends

It is indeed a matter of deep shame that the ugly head of religion and intolerance does not tire of raising itself even in such an avowed secular framework like our nation and in such a peaceful event as the screening of a film. We, at the LV Prasad Film & TV Academy would like to express our solidarity and resolve to continue with our deep felt belief in democratic values and to protect the right to artistic expression by every citizen.

We will put up the notices on our board and pass this on to all those who are equally concerned about the trampling of such fundamental rights. We will all be there in spirit when the march takes place on Monday. Kindly convey our heartfelt sympathies to those young students who had to face the brunt of the ugly attacks.

yours in solidarity

K. Hariharan
Director
LV Prasad Film & TV Academy

Abhivyakti...

Letter of support from the former chairman - Dr U R Ananthamurthy

As a former chairman of FTII I support the appeal of its director. I have seen the documentary that our great film maker Patwardhan has produced on Ambedkar It is a shame that a group of young men have reacted violently when the documentary was shown. No creativity will be possible if we allow such intolerance. I write this to express my solidarity with the honourable director of the FTII

U.R.Ananthamurthy

former charman, FTII

Chancellor, Central University, Gulbarga

Kannada Writer