A lot has been written about how fanatics in India are trying to stifle the freedom of expression of people; of how people like Taslima and M.F.Hussain are being harrassed. It has become fashionable to defend the 'freedom of expression' under any pretext. Adding fuel to fire are rookie journos who are forever in search of scoops and sensational stories and their bosses on 24-hour news channels. Guys (or gals for that matter), please give us a break and go analyse the whole picture before sensationalising an issue. I can bet none of the journos who raised a hue and cry about Taslima being tortured ever read her books. I, for one, was intrigued by what the fuss was all about and googled extensively for a translation of her works (I do not know Bengali) but could not find any. Ditto was the case with hubby who is a more avid googler than me and who is known among friends for his reputation to google on any topic and fetch the details within minutes or in some cases, seconds. So, if anybody out there has a translation of Taslima's works, can you please send them to me? I want to judge for myself what this lady wrote that put off so many people across the country.
Coming to M.F.Hussain...I would surely like to join in if somebody is protesting in my locality against the works of this artist. The guy/ old man has the guts to paint Mother India and Hindu gods and goddesses in the nude but could not muster up enough courage to paint himself, his family or heads of his religion in the nude. Yes, sir, they are painted most respectfully-fully clothed/draped. So, why the distinction, Mr.Hussain? You could not 'creatively' imagine yourself in the nude? Hats off to the judge who pointed out this and specified in his judgment that Mr.Hussain could not hurt sentiments in the name of freedom of expression or creativity and if he wishes to do so, he should try it first on himself and his immediate circle. If charity begins at home, so must creative rubbish like this. Hats off to journalists like Gurumurthy as well, who do not write to scandalise or sensationalise but actually bring out the facts. After all, that is what the fourth estate is supposed to do-tell the truth and expose those who do not. Alas, they are losing focus nowadays.