Observing that there is a sinister attempt to punish voices of dissent in the country, Hindi poet Ashok Vajpeyi said Kerala is battling the situation by hosting a string of global standard cultural events.
“Unlike other States, in Kerala, traditions, classicism, innovation and boldness co-exist. The State hosts many international events. So it’s important that Kerala keeps up the tradition at a time when voices of dissent are being suppressed in the country,” he said at the inauguration of the 11th edition of the Kritya International Poetry Festival 2017.
'Such events impossible now'
The poet said it would not be possible to host events like the Kochi-Muziris Biennale and international film and documentary festivals in any other part of India currently.
