A Serious Literary Dialogue on Palestine in Bhopal
- Kumar Ambuj's Foreword: Context of History and Contemporary Politics
- Vineet Tiwari's Eyewitness Account: The Human Story of the Palestinian Struggle
- When Life Itself Becomes Resistance: The Reality of Palestinian Society
- Art, Humour, and Hope: Continuity of Creation in the Midst of Crisis
- The Language of Symbols: Wall Art, Olive Trees, and Keffiyehs
Rajesh Joshi's Commentary: Understanding Real Suffering Beyond Books
At the Progressive Writers' Association's program "Where Existence Is Resistance" in Bhopal, poet-thinker Vineet Tiwari shared his experiences of his trip to Palestine. An in-depth discussion focused on literature, history, and the culture of resistance.
Where existence itself is resistance…
Bhopal, 7th March 2026. On the evening of 28 February in Bhopal, when poet-thinker Vineet Tiwari, who returned from Palestine a couple of months ago, began narrating his eyewitness account, time seemed to stand still. As he spoke about Palestine, its people, its literature, everyday life, and their daily struggles, it felt as though we had known so little so far. The sympathy we had lived with for so long, Vineet transformed into empathy.
This was an event organised by the Bhopal unit of the Progressive Writers’ Association, titled “Where existence itself is resistance.”
At the start, senior poet-storyteller Kumar Ambuj introduced the theme in his distinctive, measured style, carefully opening it up for the audience. He emphasised that at the very moment this program was taking place, Israel and the US had imposed an unwanted war on Iran. Referring to historical contexts, he questioned Israel’s identity as a geographical nation. Quoting Israeli writers Amos Oz and Yehuda Amichai, he critically examined Israel’s current stance and the rise of extremism worldwide. His address, filled with literary and historical references, clarified the subject for the audience and prepared the ground for Vineet Tiwari’s speech.
Vineet began his “eyewitness account” with the historical background of Israel’s formation and the bombings of Palestine in 1948. He explained in detail how, amid Israel’s continuous attacks and worsening conditions, the hardships of the Palestinian people are so immense, their oppression so severe, that their very existence has become their resistance. In other words, simply being alive is itself a challenge to Israel.
He also highlighted how, even in these tragic circumstances, the creativity and humour of ordinary Palestinians, poets, and artists continue to flourish, shaping and preserving this dark era in their own way. Whether it was the resilience of a Palestinian cab driver or the struggles of Vineet’s local friends, it felt as though we were journeying alongside them. This journey ran parallel to the harsh suffering Palestinians endure day and night.
He spoke of wall art, olive trees, and the keffiyeh (the scarf Palestinians wear, now a symbol of political and cultural identity) to underline the importance of local symbols of struggle.
Vineet’s address also carried a message for those powers that, through the politics of crushing minorities and appeasing majorities, believe they can break the spirit of minorities. Based on his lived experiences, he conveyed much more than what was spoken—something all present could feel.
Senior poet Rajesh Joshi, presiding over the program, praised Vineet’s speech, saying he was stunned by the eyewitness account. He added that what we had so far read in books and newspapers about Palestine pales in comparison to the real suffering of its people.
The program was attended by many thoughtful citizens and fellow writers of the city. It was conducted by Sandeep Kumar, secretary of the Bhopal unit of the Progressive Writers’ Association, and the vote of thanks was delivered by senior poet Anil Karmele.
