Indian Society is going through an exemplary phase of demonstrating to the world what freedom of speech is! And what really democracy is, and how it can hold people of various faiths, various castes, and various cultures together.
Black & White represents two extremes...Let me mention I am not referring to religious extremists in any society, now there is a trend to misrepresent and misinterpret the words; so I obviously want to be careful. It was all initiated by a few writers returning awards on account of growing intolerance, and attributed all of this to Central government. It was subsequently followed by another set of writers, scientists, and more folks in various creative fields returning their awards. It was a wonderful movement, and it garnered attention from several streams...Local & international media put it as headline, and made common people like us worried on what is happening to our dear country.
Then there was other side, which took a few days to come to explain the other side of it...They were genuinely concerned on the fake movement of returning awards ...An event "March for India" was organized to demonstrate the strength of our country, and expose such individuals who were returning awards on account of growing intolerance. If one had followed the event, it was visible that this group had more support from people; not only in the creative and intellectual field; but also from common people.
I enjoyed the space that both of these groups got in the Indian media...This shows how open the Indian democracy is, and accommodates very easily the thoughts from two extremes. People of India have absolute faith in Indian democracy; and freedom of speech that one enjoys. Howsoever, the other group's "March for India" event is yet to be covered in International media...Looks like International media wants to be selective about coverage with whatever the intent.
A society functions well, when the thoughts are balanced, and a specific movement is not orchestrated. If a group of people take an extreme step, it agitates the other group to take a stand. Particularly a group which represents minority (not religion, but thought process) must be respectful to the other set of folks who represent majority. But it is also true that a movement may convert a minority into majority. Anyways, I always feel that there is a BIG space "GREY" between Black & White, and all of us can live happily, had we decide to live in that space instead of taking extreme sides.
By the way, with everyone taking a stand either on one side or the other...Let me present my thoughts. I do see a much better India in what it used to be earlier when it comes to "Tolerance". I see our countrymen becoming more tolerant, and more aware of their self-right, taking stands, exercising their right of speech. There may be one or two rare instances, however there is a clear intent from the government and people of India to identify the culprits and curtail happening it again. India is growing in terms of economy and its Brand equity, and becoming a renowned nation across the world. Definitely this is BETTER India; and much better times for an Indian!
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