Let there be no role for trolls in this Amrit Kaal

All the courts from the magistrate to the Apex Court are supposed to uphold the constitutionally guaranteed right to speak. From Panchayat to Parliament too are created for this. Everybody likes to refer to the suppression of people’s voices during the British Raj and once during the infamous Emergency. That’s all part of history now. But the contemporary scenario of intolerance reminds us of the bygone era of course with a huge difference. While it was the establishment that suppressed freedom earlier, it is the all-pervasive intolerance that is seeking to muzzle the freedom of speech

The Chief Justice of India has just said that the Constitution gives us the right to speak. Very valid statement, My Lord!

All the courts from the magistrate to the Apex Court are supposed to uphold the constitutionally guaranteed right to speak. From Panchayat to Parliament too are created for this. Everybody likes to refer to the suppression of people’s voices during the British Raj and once during the infamous Emergency. That’s all part of history now. But the contemporary scenario of intolerance reminds us of the bygone era of course with a huge difference. While it was the establishment that suppressed freedom earlier, it is the all-pervasive intolerance that is seeking to muzzle the freedom of speech.

We have discussed the curse of intolerance on our democracy earlier in these columns, but unfortunately the situation hasn’t changed a bit. On the contrary its manifestation is on the rise. The intervention from the top to reign in the waves of intolerance comes a bit too late – in fact, much like the police enter the frame at the end of a typical Bollywood or Tollywood movie.

As we said earlier, these belated passing remarks create an atmosphere of not tacit but open support to the intolerance which is against the very basic ethos of way of living called Hinduism.

One may well ask as to what is wrong in opposing or criticising a way of thinking or a practice of celebration like Valentine’s Day. Nothing wrong in opposing what one doesn’t appreciate or expressing one’s feelings in a democratic way. It should not lead to spread of intolerance in any way.

Often, this intolerance sidelines all the progress the nation makes. At a time when the Prime Minister talks of Double Engine governments, Sab Ka Vikas, budgetary focus on all round infrastructure development and above all the speed with which the various schemes are being announced and launched as pre-poll sops, the social media and then the mainline media gets obsessed with this intolerance. The print media may cover part of the half of the literate population, but the whirlwind of TV channels cover a much larger population. Now, we have the billion odd mobile phones to carpet bomb the messages and counters of intolerance crossing all limits of decency. Beating Newton’s third law of motion, action-reaction leads to further reaction and a whole lot of ruckuses. This trend ought to make us feel ashamed of ourselves at home. Worse still, this leads to global shaming of India. Then the intolerant elements launch a tirade against the western media. The basic purpose of all this narrative is to remind ourselves about the waste of time and energy that we have indulged in.

This trend may help divert attention from burning issues and uncomfortable questions that rise against the establishment. The hug-the-cow episode and the campaign against Bollywood movie Pathan are just a few examples. This is certainly not the way to channelise our energies in this Amrit Kal. So, where do we go from here now?

First of all, the concept of ‘Zero Tolerance’ must translate into action at the top – zero tolerance for suppression of freedom of speech. Democracy flows from the top. Intolerance certainly goes against this. Today, the world’s largest party listens to one voice. That voice should be heard frequently. Still better, that voice must be conveyed by the next level. ‘The Party does not appreciate this’. This kind of messaging certainly helps contain the waves of intolerance. Silence does not help. In fact, it is taken as a symbol of tacit support to intolerance. The Party does not need to spread or encourage intolerance to get votes. Don’t worry about 2024 as long as the country does not produce a viable alternative. Fight the elections like a Lion, even if an alternative emerges. You don’t have to stoop to fanning intolerance. If anyone in the opposition does it, just ignore them even if any media provokes you. Vijaylakshmi Pandit was once asked about Sanjay Gandhi. She said “I don’t discuss that boy”! So, you don’t have to discuss something you do not approve of.

The PM has recently said India is one bright spot in this gloomy world. Let that bright spot not be obscured with petty pastime which often tends to become a national waste of time.

PM also speaks of channelising the youth energy during this Amrit Kal through schemes such as Agniveer and Startup India. The Saptarishi of the budget priorities in another promise the government holds. Vande Bharat express is said to be bringing in miles of smiles. With all these and a host of infrastructure projects pan-India, the Party has asked its close to 400 MPs to start spreading goodwill in their respective constituencies. They must be told in no-uncertain terms that they should not fan intolerance and remain positive in tan-man-dhan! Finally, let’s all always remember what the CJI said: the Constitution gives us the right to speak. And not suppress dissent.

(The author is a Mumbai-based media veteran, known for his thought-provoking messaging)