Mumbai, Jan 9 (IANS): A collective of civil society activists on Wednesday appealed to general public to celebrate the 71st death anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi on January 30 by observing a minute's silence against "the growing culture of violence facing the country".

"Today, 70 years after Independence, we are witnessing a rise in hatred and prejudices based on religion, caste, gender, sexuality, region and class. Society is becoming increasingly intolerant and violent.

"As citizens we can no longer be silent spectators to this growing ill-will, hatred and violence. We must come together to protect the secular, pluralistic and democratic fiber of the country," said the collective identifying as "India Unites for Non-Violence and Harmony" in a statement.

The group, composed of activists, artists, historians etc, also invited people for a convention on "Non-Violence and Harmony" at Sophia Bhabha Auditorium, Breach Candy, Mumbai, on the Martyr's Day.

The appeal was endorsed by, apart from many individuals, bodies like PUCL-Maharashtra, TISS-Mumbai, Rashtriya Kisan Mahasangh and All India Kisan Sabha, among others.