Free Speech

It is difficult to express one's views without someone feeling that they have been hurt. In the last six years of blogging this is the first instance of being asked to remove something because it hurt their feelings. I have now vowed to write generally and be very careful in pointing to anyone or anything. What I also acknowledge is the fact that we never stop learning. We do make mistakes and constantly learn from that. Hopefully this will be the first and last mistake.It doesn't mean that I will stop writing.
The other day I came across this piece in the newspaper that spoke about the culture of 'getting offended' easily. Political cartoons lampooned politician and everyone including that politician had a good laugh. Today, you are constantly reminded to be careful in the interest of society- you can neither poke fun at politicians nor at symbols of nation. Everything is becoming sacred- beyond reproach. 
Long back in a debate on NDTV Big Fight, journalist Tavleen Singh made an argument for free speech, without any restrictions. The constitution guarantees us freedom of speech and expression but within boundaries- the society has to decide if we want that to be broadened or narrowed. In the interest of democracy and freedom, we should decide to narrow the restrictions and allow for open debate and discussion.

First Posting

Saw the new ad for First Post- CNN-IBN's stand alone online newspaper. Creative ad- takes you through the entire process that goes into putting a newspaper together for you. The punch line- so much effort to read yesterday's news! First Post gives you news as it occurs- no delay and fresh as long as you have that net connection. Newspaper is dead, long live the newspaper (web).
Yes, it is true that newspaper production is turning costly and is not environmentally friendly. But large number of readers are reading newspapers now. India has the potential for many more newly literate to pick up this habit. It is possible only if newspapers are still around.
It is truly a cultural thing. We crave for the morning cup of coffee and the newspaper to go with it. It reminds one of the days gone by- time was on our side and one could spend an hour sipping and reading. Maybe things are different today. Who has the time- one has to catch up with news on the go. Smart phones are convenient to read everything of interest- only briefly. In-depth and analytical stories are lost in the digital whirlpool. It is therefore farfetched to expect many to know what is actually going on in the world.
The death of newspapers is inimical to democracy. How can one expect to take the right decision if you are not aware of the basis for it? Newspapers provide news, analysis and views to help citizens take tough decisions. Hope atleast in India and for India, newspapers stay on for a long time to come.