Who decides what nationalism is and what is anti-nationalism? Who issues the mandate? And who certifies patriotism?
The administration withdrew permission for the Lucknow Literature festival after some right-wing ABVP youth stormed in and disrupted a speech by the ex- Jawaharlal Nehru University student Kanhiya Kumar when he was speaking about his book ‘From Bihar To Tihar’. If you remember, he was in news a few years back when he led student protests against fundamentalist government policies.
This seems an irony that someone tries to protect nationalism by curbing the freedom of speech and expression.
Coming to the technicalities, the administration is saying that the permission was granted for a book fair, and there were not aware that leaders and celebrities would be invited. Also, the area has evoked the Model Code of Conduct before the impending elections. This makes it imperative the law and order situation is maintained under highest modicum for free and fair elections.
Kanhiya was speaking at a café run by acid attack victims. Amidst his speech, right wing students began chanting, “Kanhiya is a traitor”. The audience formed a ring around Kumar, and the police arrived to bring the situation under control. Five student detractors were arrested. But the festival stands cancelled.
One wonders whether an event catering to the academics, intelligentsia and those sensitive to subtler nuances can really be the ground to play political games. Art and literature have an intrinsic weave with society, law and politics, but they are not the playground for harsher forces.
India is again proving its low tolerance levels, and gradually turning into a country of easily offended, and shallow tempered. Whatever may be the short-comings of the mature citizenry, at least students should behave in a way that paves way for a more tolerant and open society.
Kanhiya Kumar was just a student, as are those who heckled him. They cannot act as mere pawns in the hands of those with vested interests in power. Real power lies in free thinking and free speech.
