Freedom of expression was a widely debated and discussed topic on the opening day of Jaipur literature Festival. Author Nayantara Sahgal said there should not be any ‘lakshman rekha’ in the domain of speech. By Karan Bhardwaj
Following the ruthless attack on French satirical magazine by fundamentalists, the debate whether there should be any lakshman rekha in speech and expression has got more intense worldwide. The debate knocked the doors of JlF right on the opening day where many authors expressed their opinions unabashedly. During a discussion, author Nayantara Sahgal, niece of Jawaharlal Nehru, proclaimed that there is no place of any ‘lakshman rekha’ while expressing her thoughts.
While many in the audience raised their eyebrows, including fellow panelist and senior journalist Mark Tully, she went ahead saying that writers must “stop bothering” about sentiments. “Freedom of speech and expression is a fundamental right given by the Constitution. Where do sentiments come fromIJ We do not have to compromise on our basic right,” she said. Tully, expressing his dissent with Sahgal, said, “There cannot be an absolute freedom in anything. We need to be aware of that narrow line that should not be crossed. We do not have the right to insult anybody or any religion,” he said.
However, it was supposed to be a discussion on how commerce of literature today is killing good writing but moderator-lyricist Prasoon Joshi limited the hour-long chat to freedom of speech and expression in India. Referring to Tamil writer Perumal Murugan’s decision to renounce writing following protests against his novel Modhorubhagan, Joshi lambasted national media for snubbing the issue. “Had this festival not happened and we had not spoken, nobody would have highlighted the issue with intensity,” he said. Tamil writer CS lakshmi said she is more worried about the fact that writers have begun to refuse writing in the atmosphere of fear. “Murugan chose to stop writing. The bigger question is whether we will be able to write in future at all,” she said. Recently, Chennai literature Festival passed a resolution in favour of the writer and lakshmi called for similar support from all the literature festivals.
“The writer must know that he or she is not alone in this battle. We must form a union and stand by our colleague. We must send a message that burning books won’t help anybody,” she said. The increasing volatile circumstances have also raised questions on our right to criticise. Joshi asked if there’s a space for contrary views in our society. “Contrary views must be heard but not at the cost of violence. One cannot kill or burn books. It should be state’s duty to protect writers from fringe elements,” she said.
“Commerce has not only taken a place in our lives, but it has taken over our lives. It has taken over politics, weddings and sports,” said Sahgal.