We cannot claim to be the world’s largest democracy when we are fearful to freely and candidly express our views on an issue. It is only possible when a country is seen to be a progressive democracy and is truly a government of, by and for the people. The apprehension in our country is understandable because of a very vindictive regime that is ruling. But our mind set has to change and we should be always be geared to take the bull by the horn regardless of the consequences one may have to undergo.
On whatever is wrong we should have the spine to stand up and speak up for the common good. It may be an unpleasant and arduous task, but it needs to be done.
Highlighting an issue on any illegality and something that we feel is intrinsically wrong is no easy task, but we need to have that determination and courage to stand up and be counted. Truth may hurt but at the end of the day it is only truth that will always prevail.
We should never ever surrender our fundamental right to speak and express our views openly, freely and bluntly. Any trace of corruption, nepotism and bad governance affects us all and we can never be silent spectators. Regardless of the backlash we may have to face and endure, we need to rise to the occasion. And we must never abdicate this social responsibility, as there can never be room for cowardice.
Let us never forget the wise words of Martin Luther King ‘There comes a time when one must take a position that is neither safe nor politic, nor popular but he must take it because conscience tells him it is right.’ He also said ‘Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter’.
