Mon Sep 01 14:26:59 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:

**Summary:**

An event titled “Urdu in Hindi Cinema” featuring Javed Akhtar, organized by the Urdu Academy of West Bengal, has been cancelled due to protests from Islamic groups in Kolkata. These groups accuse Akhtar of insulting Islam and fear his presence will disrupt communal harmony. Civil rights groups condemn the cancellation, accusing the state government of bowing to fundamentalist forces for political gain ahead of the 2026 elections. Concerns are raised about the suppression of free speech and the increasing influence of fundamentalist groups.

**News Article:**

**Urdu Academy Event Featuring Javed Akhtar Cancelled After Protests in Kolkata**

**KOLKATA, September 1, 2025** – A scheduled event featuring celebrated poet-lyricist Javed Akhtar at the Urdu Academy of West Bengal has been postponed following protests from Islamic groups in Kolkata. The event, titled “Urdu in Hindi Cinema,” was set to take place between August 31st and September 3rd.

The Urdu Academy cited “unavoidable circumstances” for the postponement. However, groups like Jamiat Ulema-e-Hind and the Wahyahin Foundation have publicly opposed Akhtar’s participation, claiming he has insulted Islam and could potentially disrupt the peace and communal harmony of West Bengal.

The cancellation has drawn sharp criticism from civil rights groups. The Association for Protection of Democratic Rights (APDR) condemned the state government’s decision, accusing them of prioritizing political expediency over protecting secularism, especially with the upcoming 2026 State Assembly elections. “This is a political decision right before the elections because the State does not want to anger a certain group,” said Ranjit Sur, general secretary of APDR.

Human rights activist Shabnam Hashmi and veteran poet Gauhar Raza have also voiced their condemnation, highlighting the suppression of free speech and the growing influence of fundamentalist forces. Author Taslima Nasreen drew parallels to her own experience of being forced to leave West Bengal by the previous government due to similar pressures from Islamist groups.

While Nadimul Haque, Trinamool Congress MP and Vice-Chairman of the Urdu Academy, declined to comment, the controversy raises concerns about the state’s commitment to free expression and the potential for political considerations to influence cultural events. The APDR has demanded an explanation from the state government and urged them to reschedule the event with Javed Akhtar.

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