Mon Oct 06 13:41:04 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:

**Article:**

**Playwright Decries Religious Pressure, Fears for Theatre in India**

**Heggodu (Shivamogga), October 6, 2025** – Renowned Marathi playwright and theatre director Satish Alekar has voiced strong concerns about the increasing pressure on individuals in India to publicly endorse their religion, leading to a climate of fear. Speaking at the valedictory ceremony of the Kalegala Sangada Matukate on Sunday, Alekar stated that since 2014, citizens have been “forced to endorse their religion every day,” creating a palpable sense of unease.

“Every day we have been reminded that we belong to Hindu dharma,” Alekar said. “Earlier, we were never asked about religion. But, the present situation is very scary.” He urged the theatre community to address these fears directly through their art.

Alekar also highlighted a worrying trend of increasing restrictions on artistic expression. He cited a 2024 incident at Savithibai Phule University in Pune, where a professor and five students were arrested for rehearsing a play on campus following objections from some individuals. “That incident shook the confidence of the professor and students. Such incidents can happen elsewhere,” he warned.

The five-day Kalegala Sangada Matukate, a conversation with arts organized by Ninasam, concluded with lectures, art performances, and play stagings. Critic S.R. Vijayshankar praised the event’s curation, which brought together writers, intellectuals, artists, and students from across the state. The event was an attempt to bring focus onto the current political climate.

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