I admire and respect the sacrifice Ruchir Joshi’s parents made for the freedom of India (‘Column width’ page – “Of edicts then and now”, April 23). But I disagree with the columnist in using the example of his father’s struggle for freedom to justify insult to national symbols.
He further says that the right to free speech allows him to express an absence of pride in his country. Well, if there is an absence of respect in me towards fellow citizens does that allow me to be abusive or disrespectful towards them? Absolutely not.
Krinendra Projjwal,
Thane, Maharashtra
Not respecting the Union Jack in India and not being ready to respect the Indian national flag by an Indian citizen in India are two different issues. I doubt whether the columnist’s father, a freedom fighter, would have accepted his contention. Freedom of speech is not absolute. Today’s government can’t be equated with the British Empire of yesteryears. The problem with most of our columnists is that they present their coloured personal opinions as public opinion as they have a forum to publish and ventilate whatever they feel. Irrespective of the grievances one might have with the present government, one has to show one’s respect to the national flag and national anthem, which are symbols of the pride of this nation.
R. Radhakrishnan,
Chennai
