31/01/2026
On January 28, 2026, celebrated author and activist Arundhati Roy delivered a powerful speech in Thiruvananthapuram while receiving the Malayattoor Foundation Award for her literary contributions. In her address, she warned of what she described as rising fascist tendencies in parts of India, urging people to actively protect democratic culture, education, and pluralism, especially in Kerala, which she called “one of the last few outposts” resisting such forces. She highlighted concerns over political shifts, including local election results, and urged citizens to defend their freedoms, cultural heritage, and political space rather than take them for granted. Roy also touched on broader global issues, including fears of conflict and the impact of technology on critical thinking. - Courtesy Brut India
When warnings like these are voiced, do we engage, reflect, and debate or do we wait until silence becomes the norm?