KOCHI: Everyone enjoys freedom of expression, but it should not be at the cost of hurting the sentiments of fellow citizens and defaming the nation, cautioned speakers at a panel discussion.
The open forum on ‘Freedom of Expression - Finding the Lakshman Rekha’ held at Thrikkakara Government Model Engineering College here last week saw diverse takes on the sensitive topic by experts. “India as a democratic country has great freedom of expression (FoE).
It matters and changes with the various stages and practical life of an individual. What I want today is what Mahatma Gandhi always looked for,” said Kerala Press Academy former chairperson N P Rajendran.
Former MP Sebastian Paul and fashion designer Sunil Menon were of the view that freedom of expression would be meaningful only if every individual is allowed to draw a Lakshman Rekha of their own to ensure that their opinions don’t lead to obscenity and sedition.
The focus topics of the forum were Breaking the Ground Rules, Obscene Behaviour and Defamation of the Country, which directed the discussion to the consequences if the ‘right’ is not used improperly.
RAW former director Hormis Tharakan, who is also a TEDx speaker, said that propagation of subversive and negative philosophies through social networking sites such as Facebook was a great cause of concern for the country’s security apparatus.
When a student asked whether comments posted on social media platforms were under the purview of FoE, Tharakan said, “because of its easy access, freedom of expression on social media platforms is going out of track.”
Further, gay protester Sunil Menon raised the issues faced by transgenders.