1. The sentiments of the common people were hurt.
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OPINION COMMENT
COMMENT
The real reasons for hurt sentiments
Noted historian Romila Thapar speaking at a public interaction programme at Manipal Centre for Philosophy and Humanities in Manipal on Thursday.
Noted historian Romila Thapar speaking at a public interaction programme at Manipal Centre for Philosophy and Humanities in Manipal on Thursday. | Photo Credit: handout_mail
Romila Thapar
13 MARCH 2015 02:48 IST
UPDATED: 13 MARCH 2015 12:12 IST
In the name of religious sentiments, an attempt is made to prevent the emergence of a society that can think and act for itself
The right to freedom of expression is part of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and this right is incorporated in the Indian Constitution. Yet, week after week it is being violated by what are euphemistically called “fringe groups.” This allows those who govern to remain unconcerned. It is, therefore, a matter that concerns civil society now. We have to react irrespective of promises from the government. It is incumbent on us to protect our rights. This right has to be discussed openly and fully because it sustains the autonomy of the individual in society. We are, after all, human beings and not robots.
This is especially so since the claim is always made that what is objected to hurts the religious sentiments of the community stating the objection. But this raises important questions that are neither asked nor answered. Does the objection reflect the sentiments of the entire community or only a small fraction of it? Who constitutes this community and represents it? It is time now that we all start asserting that we too represent a community in society, and that our sentiments are deeply hurt when freedom of expression is denied to us. We do not stamp out other people’s rights, but we do have to defend our right to express ourselves.