Concern raised over attempts to snatch freedom of expression

 Mysuru: Expressing concern over what they claimed as rising intolerance and inequality in the country, most of the speakers at the 8th session on ‘Current Situation – The Challenges Before Plurality’ on the third and concluding day of the 83rd Akhila Bharata Kannada Sahitya Sammelana at Maharaja’s College Grounds here yesterday, deplored such tendencies.

Addressing the session, former Kuvempu Bhasha Bharathi Chairman Pradhan Gurudutt said that India is a multi-cultural country and home to many religions and faiths. But it is regretful to note that religious fundamentalism is on the rise in the country, which is condemnable.

Pointing out that we have both love and hatred, he said that theism and atheism co-exist in our country. “Just as fundamentalism exists everywhere in the world, there are fundamentalist in Hindu religion too,” he said, while expressing concern over rising intense fundamentalism across the globe.

Stating that the word ‘Nationalism’ has come to the forefront these days, he said that Russian President Vladimir Putin can be quoted as the best example for describing neo-nationalism.

Writer Prof. Kalegowda Nagawara, in his address, said that this was the most useful session where several issues bothering mankind were discussed.

Expressing concern over attempts to scuttle the freedom of expression, he said that although wealth can be stolen, the knowledge in a person can never be stolen. Recalling that the meet President Chandrashekhar Patil (Champa) landed in jail during Emergency for his outbursts against suppression of freedom, Kalegowda said that it was the duty of every responsible citizen that fundamental rights are protected.

Another writer Dr. Veeranna Dande, in his address, said that although it was common to find intolerance, frustration and disappointment among human beings, what is of concern today is the increasing domain of these trends globally.

Quoting Basavanna’s famous Vachana ‘Kalabeda, Kolabeda – Husiya Nudiyalu Beda – Anyarige Asahyapadabeda,’ he said that it was important for everyone to take this Basavanna’s Vachana seriously and practise it in the larger interests of humanity.

Dr. Vinaya Okkunda spoke on the topic ‘The crisis in the freedom of expression.’ Earlier, writer Mallikarjun Yendigeri welcomed. Kannada Sahitya Parishat President Dr. Manu Baligar, Meet President Champa and others were present.