Vice President calls for strengthening the space for discussion and dialogue in public realm
‘Media should introspect, pass on the mike
and let unique, marginalized voices come to the mainstream’
‘Time to step out of our echo chambers of social structures and social
media algorithms’: VP
VP underlines the role of intelligentsia in preserving ‘societal morality’;
calls upon civic society to speak upon prevailing issues
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar inaugurates third edition of ‘Lokmanthan’
VP visits Kamakhya Temple in Guwahati, offers prayers
The Vice
President, Jagdeep Dhankhar today called for strengthening the thriving space
for discussion and dialogue in public realm, suggesting that ‘intolerance of
others’ point of view is antithetical to the vision of free exchange of
thought’.
Recalling that India has a great heritage of debate,
discussion and knowledge sharing, the Vice President said that lessons can be
drawn from the past to uplift the quality of discussions in public domain,
especially legislatures.
Dhankhar added that in the ‘race for one-upmanship and
under the constant glare of the public eye, debates – televised or on social
media – are turning into cacophonous fighting arenas’. He called upon media to
take the initiative, introspect, “pass on the mike and let unique, original and
marginalized voices come to the mainstream”.
Calling for healthy, open-minded discussions, the Vice
President said it is “time to step out of our echo chambers – caused by both
social structures and social media algorithms – and let our mind breathe”. “We
must revive the art of listening; we must rediscover the art of dialogue”, he
stressed.
The Vice President was inaugurating the third edition of
a national colloquium ‘Lokmanthan’ organized by Prajna Pravah in Guwahati today.
Appreciating the organizers for highlighting the rich cultural ethos of North
Eastern India, Dhankhar observed that in their diversity, “the cultural
practices of the region resonate with the quintessential Indian values of
peace, harmony and universal brotherhood”.
Addressing the gathering, the Vice President underlined
the role of intelligentsia in Indian society, referring to how sages advised
kings historically on issues of policy and ensured harmony and stability in
society. Calling upon intellectuals to speak upon prevailing issues, he said
that “if our intelligentsia decides to opt for silence in the current times,
then this very important section of society is bound to be silenced forever.
They must freely practice dialogue and deliberation so that societal morality
and propriety are preserved”.
Underscoring the primacy attached to Freedom of
Expression in the Constitution and the rich quality of Constituent Assembly
debates, the Vice President said that they are a testimony to the importance of
free-spirited and healthy discussion that India has long cherished. “Freedom of
expression is the nectar of democracy”, he said.
The Vice President called upon the intellectuals from the
civic society to play a proactive role in ensuring the harmonious balance of
the three branches of the state – Legislature, Executive and Judiciary –
through deliberative mechanisms. “Democratic values and human rights will
certainly blossom with intelligentsia adopting proactive stance of dialogue and
discussion”, he added.
Reflecting on the “common cultural thread” among all
Indians, Dhankhar observed that the beauty and strength of ‘our ‘indubitable
cultural unity’ reflects in every facet of our national life. Right from the
mundane, secular matters to the lofty spiritual aspects – from the songs sung
by farmers during the sowing season to our holistic approach towards
environment – the underlying oneness of Bharatiyata can be felt’.
In this regard, the Vice President called for developing
“a sense of our own history, which includes folk traditions, local art forms
and numerous dialects. Only then can we be truly independent in mind and
spirit”. He also called for empowering the youth to think for itself and be
equipped with “not only with the right skill set, but also with the right
mindset”.
During the event, the Vice President witnessed a
traditional Assamese religious dance performance, ‘Gayan Bayan’. He also
released two books – a souvenir for Lokmanthan and a collection of speeches of
the Chief Minister, Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma, titled ‘In Pursuit of a Dream’.
Later in the day, the Vice President reached the Raj
Bhawan, Guwahati where he interacted with eminent personalities from the state.
Thereafter, Dhankhar along with his spouse, Dr Sudesh Dhankhar visited the
renowned Kamakhya temple in Guwahati and offered prayers.
Prof Jagadish Mukhi, Governor of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa
Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, J Nandakumar, National Convenor, Prajna Pravah,
Dr Gargi Saikia Mahanta, Working President, Lokmanthan 2022 and other
dignitaries were present during the event.