Freedom of expression..yes, it is a reality in India

India –a smorgasbord of variety. A paradigm of unity in diversity. But the moot point here is that how in the first place did we foster this oneness? We could do so solely because we had the freedom to wield the power of thinking and speaking that has extricated us from the shackles of centuries of bondage and slavery to transform us into what we are today. The very fact that I am standing here on this dais is the evidence of the existence of this freedom. The freedom of expression simply put implies the right to put forth one’s thoughts and opinions without being suppressed by any entity.
We as Indians, are very fortunate in this regard because there are countries like Cambodia which still do not recognize the freedom of expression; and then there was Nepal which was also categorized as one of these countries until recently when their constitution approved this right.
We can change our society through words and ballots rather than through guns and bullets. The illiteracy rampant in our society may stand in contrast with the objectives of these rights. Nevertheless, the importance of free speech as a basic and valuable characteristic of our society cannot be undermined.
It entails another indispensable part of our democracy i.e. freedom of press. Yes, the fourth estate. The dynamic spark that has ignited so many minds, brought about awareness(in the true sense of the word), educated people and changed our views towards hitherto stereotyped issues so much so that there have been instances when bureaucrats (unsuccessfully though!) have tried to curtail this freedom. We have the example of the Rajiv Gandhi government which injured by the corruption in the Bofors affair introduced a defamation bill to create new offences of criminal imputation and slanderous writings. But a highly successful nationwide strike by newspaper industry and strident protests forced Mr. Gandhi
To withdraw the bill.
In the present age also we have the complete independence to express our views and ideas on anything and everything ‘relevant’. The innumerable strikes, protests, scandals and scams we see day in and day out speak for themselves.
Why then would you ask ‘do we still see the countries affairs lying in shambles?’ the answer lies within you………… If only the Indian elite would declass themselves and conquer India democratically would this question be countered.
The existence of this freedom of expression is sometimes questionable only because of us. It is we who need to open our eyes and strike a spark of hope in this dwindling Diaspora. So go ahead and wield the sword…………go and speak!!!!!!