“Freedom is the freedom to say that two plus two makes four. If that is granted, all else follow.” – George Orwell
The rulers of India and majority of the Indian citizens want to boast the richness of Indian culture. But in paradox an area which is under enormous threat today is the very same culture itself. One after another all the forms of culture are made a mockery of- whether it be art, literature or theatre- by the extremist groups in particular and a portion of Indian mass in general. There have been no organized civil movements against this plague on free speech and that shows a dangerous future for Indian democracy and culture.M.F.Hussain and Salman Rushdie who took the rich culture of India to the world stage were denied permission to enter into the same country is a great shame. Tasleema Nazreen of the former India had to face meaner treatments. The message is clear; they (those who are against free expression in cultural forms) want to have a uniform (specially designed) literature or art that adores the powerful according to their whims and fancies. It is high time all writers and thinkers to consider this clarion call and fight against this serious issue because finally the pen must win for the survival of healthy humanity.
Sandhya S N & J T Jayasingh
Chief Editors
www.indianruminations.com
It is interesting tio delve into the history of the so-called secularism of the modern day rulers of the nation. The colonialists always used to take special care to compartmentalize Indian society on the basis of religion and caste. Certain leaders were considered voices of communites which were hundred of millions strong No one bothered to consider the legality of these individuals’ claim to be the spokesmen of large sections of Indian society. Adminstrative reforms and doles from the government were always done to specific communities and religions. Rememeber Ramsay Macodonald’s communal award(1935). After independence the British-trained leaders ofthe country(except for a few honorable exceptions) followed the colonialists’ example.
As for the recent Rushdie incident in Jaipur it would be expecting too much from mainstream political parties; who are upto their ears in votebank politics, to stand up for freedom of expression. The iniative for artistic freedom has to come from organizations of apolitical and liberal minded individuals.
Sebastian Isac can
litsebs101@hotmail.com
Ido appreciate the courage to mention taslima and rushde along with hussain;usually the professional secularists and whole time humanrightists exclude them .No society is free without the freedom of speech and expression.But I beleive as gibran said one may muffle the voice but cannot stop the Nightingale from singing-I am quoting from memory.