Freedom of speech and expression

[Ben Antao]

Hi folks 

Since the federal election results in India, there has been some renewed noise about freedom of expression and the fear of its curtailment in the BJP era. I wish I could hold the hand of such fear-mongers and say: Relax!

Those who have worked in journalism know that the concept of freedom of speech and expression is relative, never absolute. For my perspective on this, you have read my essay written ten years ago for a book titled In Black and White, edited and published by Frederick Noronha of Goa 1556.

As I don’t have a copy of this essay in my computer, I give permission to Frederick to post it online if it’s not too much work.

Meanwhile, relax and adjust to the changing world as I do in North America.   

Best wishes.

Ben

 

[A.A. Fernandes]

@ Ben Antao .Hope Fred can upload same .Deb borem korun Bab Antao .do feel free to expand on your last line and specific context /example please for those who may not perhaps enjoy the same perspective or stance  ;) 

Cheers from North London 

		A.ANTHONY (Tony) FERNANDES about.me/rockrambler

Wishing Well 

SKYPE:a.anthony.fernandes 

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[Tensing Rodrigues]

Suppression of freedom of speech and other freedoms is not the prerogative of BJP. It has happened and shall happen with any other party in power. Bengal is a good example. North-East is worse perhaps.The excesses come out of power, and are a result of fear of threat to that power. 

The only solution  to excesses of power is power itself. As some one long long ago said 'the price of freedom is eternal vigilance'. It is good that Modi has come to power with an overwhelming majority; it is now our duty to save him from the excesses. 

One thing I feel has to stop forth with is this tom-tomming of 'minority'. Who the hell said Christians are a minority in India ? We are not; we are a part of the large majority called Indians. It is high time we shed this tag of 'minority' and start behaving like majority - only then will we be a part of the 'power-wielders'. If we keep ourselves out of the powerful majority, we alone are to blame. 

Tensing.