On the eve of Independence Day Dalit Sthree Sakthi conducted a conference on the topic Freedom of Expression in Independent India. This conference was held on 12/8/2024 at Pressclub, Vijayawada. Jhansi Geddam, National Convener of DSS chaired the conference. The important speakers were: Sri Radhika, Professor of Law, Acharya Nagarjuna University, Sri Swapna, Vice principal, Stella College, Sri P Srinivas, President, All India Lawyers Union and High court Advocate. Sridevi, Roja and Prasanna coordinators of DSS also participated.
Jhansi Geddam, National Convener, DSS:
The constitution of India provided freedom of speech so that all citizens can share their views about the future of the country and welfare of the people. Thia is the basis of freedom of speech. But now unfortunately this freedom is being used to abuse each other in filthy language and sow the seeds of division among the people on caste and party lines. Thus, the society is being drawn backwards. Many people are using social media for propagating negative ideas.
Persons like Dhruv Rathe who are providing deep analysis and genuine information are very rare and do not constitute even 1% of the social media. Majority people are shutting up their mouths and are not utilising freedom of expression. People are looking for few schemes, ration and rice supply to their homes and are satisfied with mundane life. As long as people do not involve in reformation society will not change.
Pichuka Srinivas, President, All India Lawyers Union and High court Advocate:
During British time they have improved many facilities and developed the society and legal system. They constructed many court buildings which are intact even now. But after achieving independence our rulers have not done as per the expectation of the people. On the other hand, the present governments are suppressing freedom of speech and other rights. Government information is kept as secret, revenue department is almost deceiving the people.Nobody has freedom to speak in police stations. In the name of road expansion, the houses of people are being utilised but they are not paid compensation or rehabilitation. If any one is criticising the government they are being harassed and put in jails.
Sri Radhika, Professor of Law, Acharya Nagarjuna University:
Constitution gave all of us freedom of speech and various other rights. But we are unable to exercise all these rights due to lack of knowledge. Because we fail to recognise the rights of equality, we are discriminating women and this resulted in less women empowerment. Compared to the world, countries women are lagging behind in our country in all aspects including political positions.
Despite many schemes introduced by the government women are unable to use those schemes. Many girls are dropping out from schools due to various problem like lack of facilities in the schools.
Sri Swapna, Vice Principal, Maris Stella College:
She explained that Article 19provides various freedoms of which freedom of expression is very important. It is the soul of democracy. Every citizen should be conscious of their responsibilities in exercising freedom of expression. Unfortunately, now a days many people are carrying prejudicious like caste and religion and are abusing the right to free speech. One should be very careful and should not insult others in the name of exercising free speech. Caste and religion should not be insulted. While mentioning about women she felt that women need economic independence. Only then she can face ups and downs in life. She observed that women are more respected in other countries than in India
DSS Coordinators Yashoda, Susanna, Sridevi, Dedeepya, Ganga Devi, Roja, Prakash participated in the conference and coordinated the entire event.
Comments