Mumbai : In a powerful display of unity and resistance, nearly 500 citizens from diverse communities took to the streets of Mumbai on Sunday in a peace march to oppose the alarming rise of hate, discrimination, and communal violence in the country. Organised by Mumbai for Peace—a collective of students, workers, activists, women’s groups, and concerned citizens—the march sent a strong message upholding constitutional values and inclusive nationalism, reported the Maktoob Media.
The rally commenced at Kotwal Gardens in Dadar and culminated at Chaityabhoomi between 4 pm and 6 pm, with participants raising slogans like “Hum sab ek hain”, “Mumbai ki ekta zindabad”, and “Pyaar mohabbat zindabad”. The march highlighted Mumbai’s pluralistic ethos as Hindus, Muslims, Sikhs, Christians, Buddhists, Parsis, atheists, and others stood shoulder to shoulder, invoking historic icons like Dr B.R. Ambedkar, Savitribai Phule, Mahatma Phule, Fatima Shaikh, and Shivaji Maharaj.
The march also resonated with environmental consciousness ahead of World Environment Day, as Adivasi activists from Aarey and others reaffirmed their commitment to safeguarding Mumbai’s natural resources—trees, mangroves, beaches—and fighting pollution while defending the city’s spirit against the “toxic effects of hate”.
Prominent figures including activist Tushar Gandhi, filmmaker Anand Patwardhan, feminist Hasina Khan, writer Urmila Pawar, poet Pradnya Daya Pawar, educator Fr Frazer Mascerenhas, and others addressed the gathering.
“Today, hate is manifesting everywhere and becoming a predominant emotion,” said Tushar Gandhi, calling the rally an “essential action”. Emphasizing that India is turning into a “very intolerant, hate-filled society”, he added, “This march is to assure the subjugated and terrified that we stand with them. We will not accept this change passively.”
Hasina Khan, a renowned feminist activist, spoke of Mumbai’s diverse character and how it is being threatened. “This city was built by its citizens—not by any political party. It is our duty to protect it from hate and communal division,” she asserted. She condemned the ongoing state-sponsored violence and anti-Muslim, anti-Dalit targeting, adding, “This peace march is a refusal to accept the politics of fear and division.”
Writer Urmila Pawar lamented the rise in religious and caste-based discrimination, pointing out the erosion of communal harmony that once defined Mumbai. “People now live in fear, and society has become detached,” she said, adding that public action matters more than social media outrage.
“We walked today for peace and humanity. Those who fight for justice, not just on screens but on streets, showed up. This is the legacy of our Constitution,” Pawar added.
The event concluded with the reading of the Preamble to the Constitution in both Hindi and Marathi, reinforcing the collective resolve to uphold its principles.
