The two-day ‘May Sahitya Mela’ (May Literary Convention) with the theme ‘Attack on Constitutional Democracy’ began at the R.N. Shetty Kalyanamantapa in Hubballi on Saturday (May 16). A host of writers, activists, and intellectuals from across Karnataka and neighbouring States participated in it.

At the literary convention, which started with a rendition of the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, senior journalist Sanathkumar Belagali initiated the inaugural session and expressed concern over systematic attempts to destroy a democratic nation and create a nation based on ‘Manu Smriti’. “All the forces that believe in parliamentary democracy and coexistence should fight against such attempts. Although politically they have not succeeded yet, the danger will prevail until they are unseated,” he said.

“Every time forces that believed in the ideology of Manu came to power at the Centre, they systematically indulged in destroying the Constitution and now, they have posed a threat to the Election Commission and judiciary. Rights under the parliamentary system are being taken away one after the other, which should be strongly opposed,” Mr. Belagali said.

Lauding the initiative taken by like-minded people who believe in equality in organising the mela, Mr. Belagali termed it a model to the nation and said it should be conducted at the national level.

Delivering the keynote address, Telugu writer N. Pani said that autocratic rulers are creating a divide among various castes and communities and using gullible people to achieve their vested interests.

“Cultural weapons are being used systematically to create a divide in the society. We all should fight unitedly to protect India from disintegrating,” he said, adding that it is the duty of every writer to revive the conscious society.

I.G. Sanadi, former MP, said that such conventions are helpful in combating communal forces that follow the Manu ideology.

Writer-activist K. Neela emphasised on the need for a united fight to protect the Constitution. “Dr. B.R. Ambedkar has clearly defined who are our friends and enemies. A systematic conspiracy is being hatched to imprison us in our own places. If we are not angry and don’t agitate, then it means we are accepting it. We should strengthen democracy by questioning injustice,” she said.

On the occasion, a ‘Hubballi Declaration’ containing nine resolutions was released along with Mr. Pani’s novel Shikari. Basavaraj Sulibhavi of Ladayi Prakashana, Lingaraj Angadi, Mahesh Pattar, Anwar Mudhol, Gurunath Ullikashi, V.B. Maganur, Sharif Bilemale, and others were present.

Earlier, dignitaries inaugurated book stalls named after Reverend George Ferdinand Kittel, Fa.Gu. Halakatti, Jagadish Mangalurmath, Pralhad Agasanakatti, and G.H. Raghavendra. Shyamala Guruprasad inaugurated a painting exhibition organised in honour of artists D.V. Halabhavi, M.V. Minajagi, M. Jeevan, Neelagangayya Pujar and Fakkiravva Gudisagar.