THE ESSENCE OF FREEDOM

Syllabus:

  • GS-2– Freedom ,meaning of freedom to different people , Good and ethical governance.

Focus :

  • This article delves into the multifaceted concept of freedom, exploring its significance in personal and national contexts. It reflects on the importance of independence, the right to free speech, and the courage to question authority. The narrative examines how fear and authoritarianism threaten freedom, and highlights the vital role of creativity and individuality in preserving democratic values .
THE ESSENCE OF FREEDOMSource-TH

Introduction: The Day of Independence

  • Personal Memory: The author reflects on her experience as a six-year-old on the day of India’s independence, recalling the jubilation and celebration in the streets.
  • National Context: Independence was a monumental achievement for the country, but the true freedom for its citizens came with the Constitution, three years later, granting rights that include freedom of speech and expression.
  • Historical Context of Freedom in India: Discussing the evolution of freedom from pre-independence to the present day.
  • Comparative Analysis of Global Freedom: Examining how different countries approach freedom of expression and the challenges faced by writers and journalists globally.
  • Future of Freedom in the Digital Age: Considering the implications of social media and digital platforms on the freedom of expression.

The Constitution and the Right to Freedom

  • Constitutional Rights: The author emphasizes the importance of the Constitution, which enshrined the rights to equality, freedom of religion, cultural practices, education, and most importantly, freedom of speech and expression.
  • Personal and Professional Freedom: For the author, these freedoms are not just legal rights but essential to her work as a writer and journalist.

The Symbolism of Tagore’s “Khata”

  • Story of Uma: Tagore’s story “Khata” is used as a metaphor for the suppression of creative freedom, where a young girl, Uma, is deprived of her right to write by her husband, symbolizing the broader issue of women’s freedom in society.
  • Writing as Freedom: The author compares this to her own experience as a child, where her notebook was preserved, reflecting on how women writers have historically had to write under pseudonyms to protect their families from societal backlash.

The Importance of Absolute Freedom for Writers

  • Creative Freedom: Writers require absolute freedom to think, write, and express themselves, which is essential for their personal and professional growth.
  • Freedom to Be and Become: The concept of freedom extends beyond writing; it is about the freedom to be oneself and to evolve into the person one wishes to become, as suggested by Sartre’s existential philosophy.

Fear as the Enemy of Freedom

  • Machiavelli’s Argument: The article discusses Machiavelli’s argument that rulers who instill fear in their people are more successful in suppressing dissent and rebellion, thereby maintaining control.
  • Authoritarianism and Uniformity: Authoritarian rulers are often unable to tolerate the diversity of human thought and expression, leading to a demand for uniformity in belief and behavior.

The Role of Discipline in Freedom

  • Freedom as Discipline: True freedom is not the absence of rules but the ability to create and follow one’s own discipline, especially for artists and writers who need space to explore and express complex truths.

The Reality of Censorship

  • Historical Censorship: The article touches on the history of censorship in India, where writers and artists have faced restrictions on their work, often to avoid offending societal norms or political powers.
  • Social Media Censorship: In the contemporary context, social media has become a new platform for censorship, where writers must navigate hurt sentiments and potential backlash.
  • Case Study: Perumal Murugan:Perumal Murugan’s Struggle: The author references the Tamil writer Perumal Murugan, who declared “Perumal Murugan the writer is dead” after facing severe backlash and censorship for his work, illustrating the chilling effect that fear and censorship can have on creative freedom.

The Writer’s Responsibility to Characters

  • Freedom for Characters: A writer’s belief in freedom extends to the characters they create. If a writer imposes strict boundaries on their characters, they become lifeless; allowing them freedom results in more authentic and relatable human beings.
  • Literature as Truth-Telling: Literature is seen as a means of exploring and revealing the nuanced truths of human nature and society, making it inherently threatening to autocratic regimes that fear truth.

Journalistic Freedom

  • Journalism and Truth: The author discusses the role of journalists in seeking and reporting the truth, which often puts them at odds with authoritarian states.
  • Global Threat to Journalists: The article highlights the global issue of journalists being imprisoned for their work, citing a report that 320 journalists were behind bars worldwide as of December 2023.

The Grounded Reality of Freedom

  • Freedom in Everyday Life: The article argues that freedom is not just an abstract concept but something that people desire in their daily lives—freedom to work, express opinions, and live according to their beliefs.
  • Privilege and Freedom: The author acknowledges that the ability to discuss and demand freedom often comes from a place of privilege, while the majority of the population is more concerned with the basic struggle for survival and dignity.

Education and the Cultivation of Freedom

  • Courage to Question: The article underscores the importance of encouraging children to ask questions and think independently, which is crucial in fostering a culture that values freedom over obedience.
  • The Role of Parents and Teachers: Parents and educators play a significant role in shaping a child’s understanding of freedom. Responses that discourage questioning can lead to a generation that values conformity over independence.

The Threat of Authoritarianism

  • Suppressing Dissent: Authoritarian regimes often suppress dissent and demand uniformity in thought and belief, posing a significant threat to freedom of expression.
  • Impact on Art and Culture: Such regimes may go as far as to dictate the subjects that artists and writers can explore, stifling creativity and diversity of thought.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Struggle for Freedom

  • Freedom as a Continuous Effort: The article concludes by reminding readers that the fight for freedom is ongoing and requires constant vigilance against forces that seek to suppress it.
  • Importance of Courage and Independence: Ultimately, the courage to value and strive for freedom is essential for both personal growth and the preservation of democratic values in society.

Associated Article

https://universalinstitutions.com/fundamental-rights/

Mains UPSC Question

GS 2

Discuss the significance of freedom in the context of personal growth and national development. How do fear and authoritarianism challenge the exercise of freedom, and what role does education and upbringing play in cultivating a culture of independence and free expression?(250 words)