Opinion Uses of Rushdie
This refers to Rushdie videochat called off to save our children,everyone
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Uses of Rushdie
This refers to Rushdie videochat called off to save our children,everyone (IE,January 25). The machinations of the Congress to prevent Salman Rushdies physical and even electronic presence at Jaipur,for votes in UP,has not only tarnished Indias image as a secular,liberal democracy but also demeaned it. Rushdie is an author of international acclaim. The message that has gone across is that our political parties resort to dubious ways to win elections and take voters for granted. The voters,meanwhile,lack maturity.
M.C. Joshi
Rights & duties
THE Jaipur Literature Festival has reignited the age-old debate on freedom of expression and speech. Writers and artists,like anybody else,have the freedom of expression as well as responsibility towards society as we all live in a shared space. Creative thoughts serve their purpose best when they contribute to the promotion of peace and harmony. But creative urges challenging the prevalent and deep-rooted beliefs can come into conflict with the conservative. Writers do have to be sensitive to religious faiths and the accompanying sentiments when they write,without throttling their own creativity and curiosity.
Zulfikhar Akram
Killing democracy
Freedom of speech and expression is the most precious of our rights. But instead of protecting the constitutionally guaranteed freedom of expression,the Indian state is getting arm-twisted by fundamentalists (Rushdies fresh sigh,IE,January 24). By claiming offence at the slightest disagreement,these intolerant groups are attacking writers,artists,activists with impunity and,unfortunately,the state is resorting to bans and censorship,legitimising the violence. By setting such precedents,the state essentially sets in motion a vicious cycle because it invites other offended groups to resort to violence and get their way. Throttling the freedom of speech amounts to the murder of democracy.
Sourav Roy Barman
Agartala
One rule
IF questioning religion publicly is perceived as a big threat,then all atheists,anti-religionists and polemicists should be banned from making public appearances. They are just as free to make their views public as the maulavis,babas and evangelists.
Akshay Gadhave
#PM
THE prime ministers going on Twitter is a good step to increase communication with people,especially the youth. Social networking sites will provide their users an opportunity to interact with the PM,to be informed and even deal with issues that matter to them.
Khyati Shah
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