Suppression of Speech : Opportunism

What the 21st century has begun to symbolize is the blatant and aggressive violation of our freedom to speak out. Be it regarding war crimes, nexus between politicians and businesses, oppression and a hundred other things. I even believe that my email is being checked for inflammatory content. However, we are surely now beginning to become so vulnerable to those so called leaders among us, we have stopped thinking rationally.

Freedom of speech is important. Its value is highlighted by its deficit mostly. A Chinese would fantasize about living in a country having a constitution like India. Where one is not restricted to government certified information. With the Internet and world wide web, free speech is a given for most people (not Chinese) who desire to express themselves and be heard. However this freedom should be accompanied by a thirst to look at the bare facts and not speculation.

In recent times what seems to me is that our institute is in the process of getting liberalized. With extension of girl's intimes, option of a 3rd internal, rock concerts, greater access to representatives and proper spirit of the institute mouthpiece, we have seen a great amount of change. The future looks bright with many such reforms in the process of passing in keeping with the spirit of our institute.

However the recent CHRD days fiasco has bared before us our own failure and shortcomings in showing responsibility towards change. What happened in the canteen on department cum chocolate day may live short in our memory, however it shall remain in the minds of faculty and administrators as a clear violation of the liberties extended to us. In future expect them to think twice before allowing such activities. However its is a serious failure on our part to not be able to maintain a decorum and order. Clearly we fail to show maturity when it is demanded the most.

In view of this, the onus is on us to show these qualities when an opportunity is available to us. So as and when we plan to show our displeasure and protest the CGPA conversion rule, it would serve us best if we choose to have a constructive debate with the inclusion of the respective faculty members. Having a head on clash, showing stubbornness for our ideas, turning violent will not do. The system is flawed. However, to correct it we have to be open to ideas ( rather compromises) and Will have to show deep respect for members of faculty as they are vastly more experienced in this matter.

Such atmospheres are breeding grounds for opportunism. There is a tendency of exaggeration (call of the phoenix video - our promised land!!!!!!! really) and our own sense of being victimized makes it easier for us to accept these things. There are rumours doing rounds about the death of renesa and CHRD, which further cloud a persons perception. We being educated and rational people must therefore attempt to clear such things with the concerned people before creating a wave of discontent based on misunderstanding.

So people do choose your protests carefully. A good leader brings about real change. A bad one will only add to trouble already existing and make your life hell.