Tuesday, October 6, 2026
5:00 p.m. ET
Open Gov Hub
1100 13th Street NW, Suite 800
Washington, DC 20005
Free
Hindus for Human Rights is proud to co-sponsor this literary salon with PEN America, in conjunction with Open Gov Hub.
The salon will feature the work of incarcerated student activist Umar Khalid and other writings that explore activism, social movements and the power of the written word.
Arrested in September 2020 under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, Khalid faces charges connected to the alleged larger conspiracy surrounding the 2020 Delhi riots. His continued incarceration has drawn concern from human rights organizations and advocates over prolonged pretrial detention and the criminalization of dissent.
In recognition of Banned Books Week, the gathering will explore how literature can document injustice, preserve contested histories and create space for voices targeted by censorship and repression.
Guests are invited to bring a poem, short reading, limerick or haiku relating to the evening’s theme of protest, or to read from Khalid’s work. A few guests will be welcomed to share excerpts that inspire them.