FREEDOM OF SPEECH, EXPRESSION AND VIEWS
"I
disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say
it" -- Voltaire
Mankind
basically consists of individuals with varied thoughts, aspirations, opinions,
preferences, choices, likes and dislikes. It is the height of violence to use
repression to try and straitjacket them and try to lock up their thoughts,
aspirations and lifestyle in one pre-conceived format and expect them to live
and function within its narrow confines.
Right
from the evolution of mankind, its thoughts, aspirations and goals have been
re-drawn and re-evaluated from time to time, subject to constant re-appraisal
and change.
Whatever
be the extent and scale of repression, it has not been possible to chain man's
thoughts and his basic views. A society which seeks to uplift itself has to
first open its doors to expression of views in a democratic form. It is the
duty of each of us to create such a situation and atmosphere.
Article 19(1) (A) of our Constitution confers the right of speech and expression on everyone. This is similar to the constitutions of all democratic countries in the world.
Karuthu is a non-political
organization. Karuthu does not have an opinion on its own; nor does it reflect
collective opinion. This is a forum for people to express their opinions in a
decent manner. Karuthu is not constrained in any manner by religion, caste,
creed; nor is it shy of any subject. Politics, Philosophy, Contemporary
understanding of History, Social Issues and all matters may be discussed here.
One may also take a contrary view. The only requirement is that there should
not be any personal attack.
The
recent efforts of some persons in Tamil Nadu to repress cultural forms,
creative literary works and society's expressions cause a deep sense of anguish
and concern.
First,
restrictions were sought to be imposed on what creators should write, and how
they should handle it. Later, efforts were made to chain artistes by raising
artifical barriers in the name of language, culture and race. Such attempts are
now raising their ugly head in all activities of society. Some tend to flout
even the elementary norms of decency in expressing opposition to certain views.
Political
and social organisations have attempted to broadbase their own views on
culture, propriety and lifestyle and impose them on society, and there is a
clear danger of trying to project such views of a limited section as the
consensual views of society as a whole. We have begun to enter the gates of
fascism by seeking to crush the views of a minority in the name of majority
view. The throats of those seeking to differ from the opinions of this
so-called majority are being throttled.
Self-styled
protectors of culture are indulging in moral policing, trying to use violence
to put down those who hold divergent views and creative ideas and expressions.
Those crushed more by this repression are the youth, women and creative forces.
It
is impossible for any society which seeks to crush these three sections to
exist or flourish in a healthy manner. That is why we have formed this
organisation called 'Karuthu' (Views) to oppose this repression.
This
organisation's foremost task is to voice its opinion against repression and to
safeguard the fundamental rights of freedom of speech and expression.
Views
may be held as conservative or fresh and new but this organisation firmly
believes that all of them have their due place in society. 'Karuthu' (Views)
will function as an organisation which will strive to create such awareness.
This will have room for expression of all kinds of views even while not seeking
to hurt anyone.