The recent debate over the performance of Stand in Comedian, Vir Das at the Kennedy Centre in the United States as well as the observations of film actress Kangana Ranaut regarding our freedom struggle and Mahatma Gandhi, only indicate how intolerant we as a nation have become. While I do not find any need to endorse the views of either of them, there is no requirement to go in for slapping criminal cases against them and putting further burden on an already overburdened judiciary. Vir Das has tried to put his viewpoint across on the treatment meted out to women and some other matters by exaggerating his narration in order to bring out the satire and contradictions in our society. There has been a debate on two Indias multiple times earlier as well. The face-off has been about whether it is about the Haves and Have Nots or concerns India versus Bharat. Every individual is entitled to his beliefs even if they appear to be unacceptable. The charge against Vir Das is that he said what he said on foreign soil and thus insulted the country. In this digital world that has no borders and frontiers, how would it matter whether he said something at the Kennedy Centre or in any place in India? The video has gone viral and has become the subject matter of discussion globally not because of the venue but because of the content. There can be many arguments that can be made against Vir’s presentation and the proper way of countering it would be to present counter ideas to this satire instead of trying to punish him under the legal system, which amounts to harassment. Had this video not been forwarded millions of times on social media, no one would have even taken notice of its contents but since it is in the public domain, everyone is talking about it, with many describing it as blasphemous.
The contradictions highlighted in the act have not gone down well with a large number of people, many of whom are supporters of the ruling dispensation. This has nothing to do with politics and is just an expression of free speech, even if there is a total disagreement. In Kangana’s case, she is an attention seeker, who has done these kinds of things on past occasions also. If for her Indian Independence commenced in 2014, so be it. Even Narendra Modi must have been surprised to learn that he is the first Indian Prime Minister after Independence. This may go against all recorded accounts of her history but then she is entitled to her views. She has been very harsh on the Father of the Nation as well and this has attracted the wrath of so many people.
Gandhiji does not need any certification from either Kangana or anybody else, for the world to appreciate his immense contribution to mankind. Kangana’s opinion is hers and let it be hers. She should not be dragged into any court of law for this, even if this is in variance with what we all know. Kangana cannot upturn history and if she wants to bring in Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose and freedom fighters in this debate, it is no reason for anyone to file criminal suits against her. The charge against her is that she has insulted freedom fighters. Those who sacrificed their lives to ensure our freedom were made of very stern stuff and would not have been ruffled by the views of the actress. There is also another debate going on about the offering of Namaaz by devout Muslims in many places, particularly Haryana. The Sikh community has been very gracious and accommodating by allowing the Muslims to offer their Friday prayers from the premises of Gurdwaras in Gurgaon and elsewhere. That is the spirit of maintaining harmony in this divisive world. The short point is that to see India march forward to attain a status of a superpower, we have to be broad-minded and flexible in our approach. We should not be offended by views and opinions. These are parts of life and our journey towards greater achievement. Yes, of course, it also entails that those who make hurtful statements should try to use self-restraint. But the theme is tolerance.