16-04-2025
Centre for Study of Society and Secularism were honoured to be part of the “Samashti Art & Literature Festival 2025” organized by Samashti Foundation, a powerful platform rooted in Ambedkarite thought and committed to 
using art, literature, theatre, and music to spark vital conversations on social issues.
In this vibrant space, Adv. Irfan Engineer, Director, and Neha Dabhade, Executive Director of the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism, and Mithila Raut, Research Assistant at CSSS engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue on secularism, communalism, the politicization of festivals, and the urgent need to uphold religious harmony in India.
We also reflected deeply on how the teachings of Shahu, Phule, and Ambedkar, along with the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution, remain crucial in safeguarding our secular fabric.
The festival, held on April 11–12, 2025, was more than a celebration—it was a movement of ideas. The memory and legacy of Namdeo Dhasal and his revolutionary writings echoed throughout the event, reminding us of the power of cultural resistance.
We thank Rewat Kaninde and Vaibhav Chaya and the entire Samashti Foundation team for creating such a meaningful platform and for inviting us to be part of this important journey.
Let us continue to think, speak, and transform
