October 14, 2005

Freedom rules

"My definition of a free society is a society where it is safe to be unpopular"

~ Adlai Stevenson


One had never intended to discuss anything on this blog that could even loosely be described as relevant. But the circumstances are rather unusual.

If there’s anyone out there who hasn’t yet heard of the recent developments in the Indian blogworld, Amit Varma has comprehensive coverage and regular updates.

Much has been said on the subject and one fears one cannot add anything of value. Just a small point – this is not about substandard B-schools or about platitude-spouting management gurus. For mediocre organizations and inflated advertising are well-accepted facts of life, in India and everywhere else. So, regrettably, are management gurus. This, dear readers, is about freedom of thought and speech, about the right to have and voice an opinion.

It rankles when Gaurav has to resign from his job because he stood up for what he thought was right, because he had an opinion. When marginally-coherent pseudobloggers direct obscenities at Rashmi. When dadagiri (strong-arming) becomes a natural way for people to deal with things they don’t like.

And the Indian blogging community deserves kudos for showing such solidarity. One is proud to be part of it.

3 comments :

babelfish said...

With you for what it's worth.

babelfish said...

*ahem ahem*...you've been tagged! To write a fifty five word story :D

In case of any confusion please refer to my blog post on October 5th :)

the One said...

Thanks, Babelfish .. and will do something about the tag. Soon.