LUCKNOW, April 11 -- People from various ideological groups emphasised the need for self-reflection and urgent resistance against communal politics at an event marking the 90th anniversary of 'Progressive Writers' Association' on Friday. They were speaking on the topic - 'The Role of Writers and Cultural Organizations in Contemporary Times' at Balraj Sahni Auditorium of Indian People's Theatre Association (IPTA). They unanimously said that divisive forces are actively working to fracture society, and writers must move beyond self-congratulation to engage in honest self-evaluation. Presided over by Rita Chaudhary, the key speakers included Prof Roop Rekha Verma (Sajhi Duniya), Rakesh Veda (IPTA), Nalin Ranjan (Janwadi Lekhak Sangh), Kaushal Kishore (Jan Sanskriti Manch) and Shakeel Siddiqui (PWA). "Organisation is our only weapon," pointed out Kishore, warning against those who "claim to be progressive, but remain indifferent to organised struggle." While Verma expressed concern over the "politics of division" being sown within intellectual circles, Rakesh reminded the audience that the blue colour of the IPTA flag symbolises global coordination - a necessity in today's "fascist era". He also questioned the growing public indifference towards culture. htc...