As India heralds 75 years of its Constitution this month, Indians from across the UK and beyond will gather in London on November 22nd to reclaim a moral philosophy of non-violent civil disobedience and the unity of political and cultural resistance so that once again hope can triumph over hate.
It’s apt that the festival takes place in London, which was home to many leaders of India, including Mahatma Gandhi, the first Prime Minister of India, Jawaharlal Nehru, the leading Indian freedom fighter, Subhas Chandra Bose, and the author of the Indian Constitution, B.R. Ambedkar.
Hundreds of people will convene at Friends House to evoke a culture of resistance that lay the foundation of modern India through its seminal Constitution and draw parallels with the current struggles to save democracy. The event combines a rich fusion of artistic adventure through folk artists and comics and commemorate and political dialogue.
A key speech on the day will be delivered by historian and grandson of Mahatma Gandhi, Rajmohan Gandhi, who will speak about India’s journey over the past 75 years and explore the ideas that shaped a non-violent political movement, built the world’s largest democracy against all odds, and inspired social movements around the world.
Critically acclaimed comedian Nish Kumar, internationally renowned for his memes, will perform a unique and riveting sketch prepared for the event, while one of India’s most celebrated music composers, Sambhaji Bhagat, will enchant the audience with his folk music stirred by a lifetime of struggle for Dalit equality and freedom.
Visual artist Kapil Seshasayee who combines Art Rock, Indian Classical and R&B music to both expose and demolish the oppression of Indian caste system in India and its diaspora, will also be preforming.
Raul Lai, Coordinator of Platform for Indian Democracy, said, “Globally, the echoes of India’s non-violent philosophy have reached far beyond its borders. From Martin Luther King Jr. in the United States to Nelson Mandela in South Africa, leaders across continents found in India’s example a blueprint for moral and political transformation. This legacy reinforces the idea that non-violence, when anchored in justice and equality, has universal relevance. As the Indian Constitution enters its seventy-fifth year, it stands as both a national covenant and a global message. It reminds the world that freedom and justice need not be born from violence — they can emerge from compassion, courage, and collective conscience.”
Suresh Grover, Co-chair of the Platform for Indian Democracy said, “the recent election of Zohran Mamdani as the New York Mayor in the USA shows the widespread emergence and strength of the Indian and South Asian diaspora in the West. Indians in the UK are also inspired by the movement built around him to usher in a new era of hope.”
India’s Preamble promises justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity—ideals that echo the ethical foundations of non-violence. By enshrining fundamental rights, it ensures the dignity and peaceful coexistence of all citizens.
Nish Kumar said, “I’m very proud of my Indian heritage, and I’m very proud to be working with a group of people who are trying to push back against the idea that there is only one way to be an Indian—an idea that is being pushed by authoritarians and religious fundamentalists.”
On the day, people from across the arts, academia and activism will share their thoughts on India’s leading role in championing non-violent resistance and democrac
