SFI UK Celebrates Red Books Day 2026 with Politics, Culture, and Global Solidarity

United Kingdom: On 21st February 2026, the Students Federation of India, United Kingdom (SFI UK) celebrated Red Books Day across major UK cities, marking the anniversary of the Communist Manifesto by Karl Marx and Friedrich Engels. First published in 1848, this historic text continues to inspire movements for social justice, equality, and workers’ rights. Since its launch in 2020, Red Books Day has grown from an online observance into a global event uniting progressives, students, and activists. This year, SFI UK expanded the celebrations with a combination of political discussions, lectures, and cultural programs.

In London, the event at the Marx Memorial Library, organised with Manifesto Press, Unity Books, Tricontinental: Institute for Social Research, and the Working Class Movement Library, brought together students, activists, and intellectuals. Dr. Aparna Vinod, Vice President of SFI UK, shared her journey of engaging with Marxist literature through student activism. She emphasised the importance of linking theory with practice, arguing that collective political work strengthens ideological clarity, democratic movements, and solidarity among working-class communities. Her address inspired participants to view Red Books Day as a call to action and intellectual engagement.

In Edinburgh, SFI UK combined Red Books Day with International Mother Language Day, hosting an Open Mic event with poetry, songs, and performances in 13 languages, including Telugu, Malayalam, Hindi, Bangla, Urdu, and Gaelic. The 'Udaan' dance troupe performed pieces highlighting the struggles and cultures of oppressed communities, promoting the idea that culture is a form of resistance and a bridge between diverse groups.

In Leeds, a lecture titled “Reading Gramsci for Our Times” by Dr. Dayal Paleri, Assistant Professor at the National Law School of India University, explored Cultural Hegemony and how progressive forces can strengthen civil society, raise class consciousness, and challenge ruling-class dominance in contemporary society.

Red Books Day 2026 went beyond commemoration, serving as a platform to renew dialogue, deepen ideological understanding, and build solidarity among students, activists, and scholars. Through these events, SFI UK reaffirmed its commitment to radical literature, democratic values, cultural pluralism, and international solidarity