Free Words

British India saw the emergence of a movement — cultural and literary — as a group of writers began to focus on social issues and advocate equality. Ahmed Ali,Sajjad Zaheer,and Rashid Jehan became trendsetters and left an indelible mark on the writings of the coming generations. The Safdar Hashmi Memorial Trust (Sahmat) now commemorates these works by celebrating the 75th anniversary of the Progressive Writers’ Association of Lucknow. The ongoing event,The Legacy and Relevance of the Progressive Cultural Movement in India,at Delhi’s Teen Murti Library includes a rare exhibition of photographs,books and publications from the archives of IPTA (Indian People’s Theatre Association) and private collectors.

IPTA,the Kolkata-based theatre group that actively spread cultural awareness across India during the freedom movement,comes under the scanner today,when the 1961 film,Komal Gandhar,is screened. The second of Ritwik Ghatak’s Partition trilogy,this iconic work revolves around two rival theatre groups — reflecting the divisions within IPTA. The three-day event,which began on October 13,also included a screening of Dharti Ke Laal,the only film by IPTA.

The seminar is on till today at Nehru Memorial Museum and

Library. Contact: 23381276

A still from Dharti Ke Laal,the only film by IPTA