Barkha Trehan raised questions regarding objectionable comments and abusive language against Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jantar Mantar protest, debate on dignity of democratic protest intensified.
Author: Barkha Trehan
Some videos of the protest at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar have become a topic of discussion across the country. In these videos, the country’s Prime Minister Modi was made fun of by calling him “Friends Friends”. Not only this, indecent, obscene and extremely objectionable language was openly used for them. Sexist comments are also heard in some videos. The most shocking thing was that even the symbolic “13th” of a living Prime Minister was celebrated. This view is not merely a matter of political debate. This raises serious questions on our society, our values and the thinking of our youth.
Is this the identity of a student movement?
Do NEET students really resort to abuses, obscene language and personal insults to express their views? Have their parents given them the values to use such language for any person, especially a person holding a constitutional post like the Prime Minister of the country?
It is the right of every citizen to protest in a democracy. Criticism of the government is also part of democracy. But does protest mean making fun of someone, using obscene abuses, making sexist comments and crossing all limits of decorum?
In which direction are we taking our children and youth?
If the identity of the movement today becomes abuse, foul language and personal insults instead of logic and dialogue, then how will decency and respect be expected from the society in the future? There may be differences. Opinions may differ. But there is a limit to language and behavior also. The greatest strength of democracy is dialogue, not insults.
What is needed today is that we should rise above every political ideology and think whether this kind of language and behavior can be considered normal? If the answer is “no”, then we should together oppose such mentality, no matter which platform, any organization or any ideology it is associated with.
In the end I just want to leave a few questions-
- Are we teaching our children to express disagreement, or to insult?
- Are we teaching them the language of logic, or of abuse?
- Is this the future of our youth?
And the biggest question.
- Is this the India whose future our youth want to create?
Who is Barkha Trehan?
Barkha Trehan is a media personality, social activist and a vocal supporter of a gender-neutral society. She advocates equal justice for all genders under the Indian Constitution, challenging gender-based prejudices and stereotypes present in the society. They believe that the application of rights and laws should be fair, equal and without any discrimination.
Major roles and achievements
- Chairperson of Purush Aayog – a leading forum working in the field of men’s rights and family justice.
- She has been a TEDx speaker at AIIMS Raipur and FMS Delhi.
- She is also recognized as a Hindu entrepreneur and cultural thinker.
- Director and producer of the short film One Sided Love.
- Has directed many documentary films.
She has spoken on Josh Talks and has been invited on major media and podcast platforms like Dostcast, Vedic Vox, Bharat 24, Tarun Bindlish, Praveen Dilliwala and India News.