Freedom Matters

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Recently one of my posts managed to churn out a lot of strong comments. The post was on my views about the comedian who lampooned Mahatma Gandhi and put it up on Utube for the world to see and laugh (!).

All my posts so far dwell mostly on Indian sentiments (my immediate surrounding) but people across the globe spoke up on this one. I had broached upon something that is a universal, timeless concern across countries, religions, age-groups etc. I had attacked the freedom of speech.

Nobody can deny the importance of freedom. Millions have and continue to martyr themselves for the cause.

The lack of freedom has been grounds for divorce. Lack of freedom causes children to rebel.

And yet, those who have it tend to take it completely for granted. They forget to take what comes with freedom - responsibility.

Adolescents who start drugging, spouses who cheat, cartoonists that disregard religious sentiments, comedians that disregard nationalist sentiments etc are examples of people who misuse their freedom.

So, while we campaign for the importance of freedom, we must, in the same breath talk about the significance of responsibility. Freedom means responsibility.

Comments

Anonymous said…
Freedom means responsiblity. I doubt that if we got freedom at 1947? We got a freedom with a divided nation and that feedom still in chains, bleeding
13 March 2007 at 13:15
meraj said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
13 March 2007 at 13:33
meraj said…
'Freedom is nothing else but a chance to be bettter'- Albert Camus
That way Gautham Prasad has only got one place to go to :)
13 March 2007 at 13:33
Reetesh Khare said…
I have an interesting verse to share; reknowned poet Nida Faazli saab penned in urdu..

"Aasaan nahi hai, Banjaara mizaazi

Saleeka chaahiye, Aawaargi mein"

By its very nature, this thought provoking line is slightly exaggerated in this context, but i believe it speaks essence of what can be discussed in paragraphs..

As I understand, the 'BANJAARA MIZAAZI' is close to 'FREEDOM' and the 'SALEEKA' has the tone of RESPONSIBILITY!
11 May 2007 at 20:42
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