Interview Discussion Initiative – March 6


About the Initiative: 


Important Issues and topics for UPSC Interview would be posted daily. We will try to cover all important areas for your Interview preparation. Aspirants can discuss and debate in the comment section. We request aspirants who are preparing for CSE 2017 to help those appearing for UPSC Interview this year(and themselves!) by participating actively.


Today’s Topic for Discussion is:

JNU controversy: Nationalism and its relevance

or

Nationalism vs freedom of speech –  What is more important in a democracy?


 


Comments

19 responses to “Interview Discussion Initiative – March 6”

  1. guys what would be your answer to this question
    “shall we remove article 48 of the constitution that prohibit killing of cow”?

  2. the green bird Avatar
    the green bird

    Nationalism and freedom of speech are integral part of democracy with their own merits. It cannot be said one is more important than other as they both shape the very essence of democracy. nationalism and freedom of speech should complement each other as far as possible. And even if there are any differences those must be solved in the environment of healthy discussion and constructive debates. The possibility of any kind of violence and coercion must be condemned. No concept stands absolute in any democracy. Democracy is the temple where dissent is also worshipped but such a privilege must not be misused in the name of either nationalism or freedom of speech.

  3. Dhruvswamini Avatar
    Dhruvswamini

    Let me try to frame my answer for interview-
    Freedom of speech is necessary part of democracy however it also mentioned in constitution of india with reasonable restrictions. This means that it is not absolute. Also if there is fundamental right of freedom of speech the there is also fundamental duty for every citizen towards protecting unity, integrity and sovereignty of india.
    Let there be nurture healthy environment of discussion, debate and dialogue instead of enchanting meaningless slogans on the name of Freedom of speech.

  4. Rhythm 2017 Avatar
    Rhythm 2017

    All the fundamental rights are subject to reasonable restriction by the sate.
    There is no restriction or yardstick to measure the extent of anyone’s nationalism and distribute certificate.
    What must be checked is
    1. politicisation of University groups
    2. Healthy debate in a respectful manner
    3. a reasonable code of conduct of every institution/university
    4. Debate must not become judgmental and shouldn’t get narrowed down to individuals

  5. Suyash Verma Avatar
    Suyash Verma

    The interesting thing is that Saying “anti-national” statements is not an act of sedition as per the Supreme court. In Kedarnath singh vs. State of Bihar on 20 jan 1962, SC said until and unless it doesn’t provkes violence, noting is an act of sedition. So by that logic Ramjas or even JNU incident is not sedition as per the technical interpretation of the Supreme court.

  6. runner4life Avatar
    runner4life

    It is unfortunate that Freedom of speech and Nationalism, which complimented one another during freedom struggle are pitted against one another. A strong civil society with freedom of speech is necessary to build a stronger India. The constitution makers realized this and hence provided for A19 as fundamental right but with necessary caveats. The SC rightly opined that any speech that does not incite violence and hatred among different communities cannot be curtailed.

    Anti-national sloganeering in JNU under the veil of freedom of speech is uncalled for and should be curtailed according to the law. As EMPEROR RELOADED rightly mentioned we cannot use the force to suppress such dissent for it makes the idea of “Kashmir’s Azadi (which fuelled anti-national sloganeering)” stronger. We need to counter secessionist tendencies with proper mix of use of force, engagement with separatists and developmental work.

    Hence we cannot afford to treat choosing Nationalism or Freedom of speech as a zero sum game.It is necessary to have a nationalistic mindset while allowing freedom of speech with restrictions mentioned in Constitution of India.

  7. The constitution of India provides the right to Freedom to every individual of country under Article 19,20,21,22 considering the vitality of freedom for individual. In broad terms Nationalism is Loyalty to nation, national laws, national ideal, national security. Nation comes First.

    There is a popular saying ‘Your Freedom Ends where My Freedom Starts’. Every individual has the right to give his/her views arguments and understands others as well. India is democracy and the kind of diversity It has can’t be seen anywhere in the world. There are different sections of people then ideas/views/arguments about particular subject are bound to clash. So how to reslove this? Should one party adhere to his/her arguments, no matter what happens and even resort to violence if other party is not agreeing to first party terms? NO!!!! Big No. COMPROMISE is the best way to solve. Democracy is all about compromises, respecting others ideas.Conflicts must be resolved by putting strong arugments and understanding the others arguments. Fight must be by words only not hands. Quality of putting strong arguments is equally needed as quality to accept to other arguments.

    To come to conclusion the definition of generic terms like Nationalism and Freedom expression must be similar, end must be same. There must be trust in government machinery of the nation, law of the nation. The universities colleges are meant to study, inculcate learning, research and development. To achive these for which they are made, there must be no violent protests but peacfull, constructive discussion not politicization as being done in most of the cases, must put first focus on matching views then on conflicting views. Press, media has very important role to play here, news must be fact based and let the people think instead of dramatizing matters and imposing opinions.

  8. सिद्धांत धवन Avatar
    सिद्धांत धवन

    Freedom of speech should be respected but it isn’t above nationalism. We are because of the nation. It is the peaceful atmosphere which allows us to earn and live our life. Freedom of speech shouldn’t be against the Union of India. What if UP residents should start speaking for freedom from Union of India, should it be respected for freedom of speech? No freedom of speech and

  9. EMPEROR RELOADED Avatar
    EMPEROR RELOADED

    Thanks sir 🙂

  10. ForumIAS Avatar
    ForumIAS

    Loaded, your presence was missing here 🙂
    Nice thoughts!

  11. EMPEROR RELOADED Avatar
    EMPEROR RELOADED

    Cannot say that freedom of speech is above nationalism. Freedom of speech though important, has been restricted by the constitution itself under article 19 hence it cannot be said to be ultimate or above nation as such but can be said as important as nationalism is.

  12. EMPEROR RELOADED Avatar
    EMPEROR RELOADED

    Agree with you 🙂

  13. EMPEROR RELOADED Avatar
    EMPEROR RELOADED

    Can’t just use heavy hand to suppress it as if it is done so then the movement will rise again and this more violently.
    So it is better to destroy the support base by debate. need to put forward strong arguments in favour of unity. that will ensure that unity is maintained and the movement dissipates.
    This is a country that attained freedom under the noble guidance of Mahatma so his Ideals and ways need to kept in mind and use of state repression is undesirable as it will only make things worse.

  14. Misty Gupta Avatar
    Misty Gupta

    Freedom of speech is more important then nationalism because it serves both the cause that is nationalism and democracy. If freedom of speech is curtailed it will lead to rise of violence in country and is direct attack to the democracy and feeling of Nationalism will end up with demand of separate state or it also create hurdle in development process. Freedom of speech gives rights to individual to criticise the govt for doing wrong and to some extent it give people to express themselves. Freedom of speech should be respected by govt and govt need not to take any action upon this but freedom of speech must not effect the sovereignty and integrity of the country.

  15. pareekshit Avatar
    pareekshit

    •Nothing is above the national integrity and national interest, even d constitution imposes reasonable restrictions on the freedom of speech, for preserving public order, decency and morality; to protect national interest and soverignity, etc.
    • the demands for referendum in kashmir are against the Constitution as well as against d national intrest. Political parties fan these emotions to further their intrests.
    • there is immediate need to take appropriate actions to stop these ridiculous protests which r continuing in the name of freedom of speech.

  16. ForumIAS Avatar
    ForumIAS

    nationalims

  17. Article 19 provides the freedom of speech and expression and the best form of democracy is the participation of young minds and the future leaders of the nation in college campuses which can be used as a podium of debate and discussion and spread the feelings of one’s love towards his nation. However, recent clashes between various pressure groups has put to question the range of freedom that can be exercised. The arrest of student leaders on sedition charges over the alleged rhetoric of anti-India slogans has put the sustainablilty of colonial 124A into debate. Coupled with these, the trolling of a Delhi girl over her video and harassment threats has portrayed the ugly side of mass response and an attempt to curb free conveyance of thoughts and has stirred the constitutional head of the nation who has urged the people to behave. The important question that arises is who should define what is national and what is not and the controversy must be used to review the law and order scenario in campusses, presence of sectarian elements and the conditions under which Art 19(2) shall be put to effect.

  18. ForumIAS Avatar
    ForumIAS

    Great! Try to cover all the dimensions.

  19. Bin2Boon Avatar
    Bin2Boon

    I think the highlights should be:
    1. Role of University
    2. Crisis faced by university
    3. Importance of student unions and limitations
    4. Student agitation/protest
    5. Freedom of speech
    etc 🙂

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