Just when we thought the intolerance debate had died down with the Bihar elections, one statement by a public figure has evoked the kind of reactions that seriously make us wonder if there really is freedom of speech in this country.
I am not taking sides here - it's just the fact that every person, whether he is a star or a common man - is entitled to his own opinion. Of course, it would suit the stars better if they were more diplomatic in their communication, but then they are also humans.
So why such reactions? If India was really tolerant, we could have listened to it and given it a thought. But the reactions come from the intolerants. And look at the scale of the reactions! Social websites, chat platforms - all flooded with messages. Why though? Why is it that one person making a comment provokes anger against the entire community?
I had read once that fear of death brings people closer. Had assumed terrorist attacks would do the same. But it seems it is only increasing the divide between communities prejudiced against each other. And the rift is getting deeper.
When our freedom fighters hard earned independence for our country, they ensured that the constitution expressed our country as SECULAR, with freedom of religion and speech. Why? Because that is what made our country truly rich and beautiful - its varied cultural heritage. India has never been a Hindu nation, nor made any attempts towards it.
Which is just as well. When late Dr. APJ Kalam gave the country Wings of Fire, we never complained that he is a Muslim, a Tamilian. When soldiers of all religions lay down their lives at the border, we do not complain that they are not Hindus. And why think so deep? Even when Lagaan reached the Oscars, we were so very proud of the celebrity who has been lambasted by everyone in the last 24 hours.
There seems to be something wrong somewhere. When did we become so obsessed with religion? And why are people looking towards the Government for action? This is not something that requires policy action - it needs serious introspection.
Related Links:
I am not taking sides here - it's just the fact that every person, whether he is a star or a common man - is entitled to his own opinion. Of course, it would suit the stars better if they were more diplomatic in their communication, but then they are also humans.
So why such reactions? If India was really tolerant, we could have listened to it and given it a thought. But the reactions come from the intolerants. And look at the scale of the reactions! Social websites, chat platforms - all flooded with messages. Why though? Why is it that one person making a comment provokes anger against the entire community?
I had read once that fear of death brings people closer. Had assumed terrorist attacks would do the same. But it seems it is only increasing the divide between communities prejudiced against each other. And the rift is getting deeper.
When our freedom fighters hard earned independence for our country, they ensured that the constitution expressed our country as SECULAR, with freedom of religion and speech. Why? Because that is what made our country truly rich and beautiful - its varied cultural heritage. India has never been a Hindu nation, nor made any attempts towards it.
Which is just as well. When late Dr. APJ Kalam gave the country Wings of Fire, we never complained that he is a Muslim, a Tamilian. When soldiers of all religions lay down their lives at the border, we do not complain that they are not Hindus. And why think so deep? Even when Lagaan reached the Oscars, we were so very proud of the celebrity who has been lambasted by everyone in the last 24 hours.
There seems to be something wrong somewhere. When did we become so obsessed with religion? And why are people looking towards the Government for action? This is not something that requires policy action - it needs serious introspection.
Related Links:
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for your comments!