Freedom, but Not Absolute

Apropos it may be a matter of pride for an internationally known lawyer and activist like Amal Clooney to successfully defend the indefensible and prove a person guilty of crime innocent, but not so for civil society. Her sermon that the “minority voice is the one you should always protect in a society that advocates free speech” is antagonistic to the spirit of democracy. Yes, the minority should have the right to freedom of expression but it should not be absolute; it should be moderated so as to not offend the feelings of the majority. Otherwise, it is no democracy. Should people, even if a minuscule minority, have the licence to work for the destruction of a nation? Should the brave soldiers defending the country stand on the same footing as those wishing to annihilate it? than Modi in your view to fit the role? He has a vision for India on the lines you describe. He is honest, hardworking and totally committed. However, there are two impediments in his path. First is Sonia Gandhi, who out of power is like a fish out of water and will do anything to defame him and bring down his government. Second are the fringe elements in the Sangh Parivar, who see this as an opportunity to push their various agendas. Modi seems to have decided that he will not get bogged down with any unnecessary controversy, and has asked his ministers to work hard, honestly and sincerely, which they seem to be doing. What more can one ask for? At this stage, what he needs is media support, because eventually it is they who make or break the image of the government. But the media is so scattered and obsessed with its agenda that an objective assessment has become too much to expect. The India Today Conclave does well to flag issues such as the state of the Indian economy and the debate on pseudo-nationalism of the rightist kind. It serves as a signal to PM Modi to sit up and take notice, lest it gets too late and he loses the battle for want of a nail. He began well with his twin avowals of “sabka saath sabka vikas” and “maximum governance, minimum government”. However, with fringe elements taking centrestage, the first dream is in tatters, while the fact that the economy has not taken off despite NITI taking over planning has made a mockery of the latter. Every prime minister since Jawaharlal Nehru has had his share of highs and lows, but even after two years in power, the Modi government is yet to see a significant high; the lows, however, are coming thick and fast. Going by the impressive list of internationally acclaimed personalities who participated, it is clear that the India Today