“Free speech is something that every Indian deeply values,” said columnist Shobhaa De on Saturday, the third day of the Goafest 2016. The day started with Ms De, Carter Murray, Worldwide CEO, FCB, and Jean Lin, Global CEO, Isobar.
“We are a very argumentative country. But nothing can keep us down. Free speech is ingrained in every Indian and the advertising industry is brilliant in capturing the zeitgeist. They teach us how we shouldn’t take everything seriously. The senior citizens are no longer becharas ; housewives have found a voice. These are sublime messages, but they go a long way in influencing minds,” said Ms De, speaking on ‘Being Outspoken in an Intolerant World’.
“Tolerance and intolerance are very loaded words. India is largely tolerant because we tolerate dirt and are tolerant to corruption.”
“We all hope for a happy-wala India. And that speaks of optimism among Indians and not defeat.” She condemned India’s ‘seemingly’ favourite word for young girls: ‘adjust kar le beta’.
