Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (DC/HB)

Udupi, Nov 25: “The current governments are functioning with the support of the corporate world. There is no room for freedom of expression when such forces are ruling. There is a constant effort to hinder our voices,” said progressive thinker Harshakumar Kugwe here on Sunday, November 25.

Addressing a seminar on freedom of expression organized by Cultural Unity Recreation and Motivational Affiliates at Pawan Rooftop in Kidiyur, Kugwe said, "There are religious, social, economic and political angles for freedom of expression. Today the ruling government is trying to stop people from expressing their opinion. In order to save the nation, there is a need to protect democracy built with the help of our constitution. The opposition parties need to become strong. There should be a free thinking media and citizens."

He further said, "There is an attempt to control freedom of expression not only in India but also across the globe. If we are trying to give justice to incidents occurred in the past history, there will be a situation where each religion will be fighting with swords. We need to decide whether we need to protect our nation with unity or push it towards intolerance."

"Today even the IT cells are defending anti-people actions of the government. If they criticise, these agencies will conduct raids. If we stop this there is no escape route for saving our democracy. Today, even deaths are being celebrated by those having opposite ideology," he added.

Journalist Santhosh Tammaiah said, "Being a journalist, is it a mistake to turn the pages of history? In my articles I have mentioned about our history. I did not mention anything about Muslims. Some of them questioned why I had mentioned about Hoysala Ballala. Today, I am restricted to write any articles with freedom."

Another progressive thinker and professor Shriraj Gudi was the resource person. Dr Santhosh Kumar Shetty was present.