The answer to question 55 of the Civics Questions for the Naturalization Test specifically mentions that ‘publicly supporting or to oppose an issue or policy’ is an accepted (and expected) way for Americans to participate in their democracy. Hence, dissent and speaking out against the policies of the current Administration is a pre-requisite for a true, and just democratic form of governance.
As of this writing, at least 75 Indians who had been felicitated with National Awards in the past, comprising writers, historians, scientists, and filmmakers, have returned their awards, which has been dubbed Award Wapasi. The gesture was a protest against growing intolerance in the Indian society, and the inability of the ruling political combine to combat it effectively. There is an alternate view that the gesture of returning such awards is a crass act, and intelligent people should opt for better ways – by speaking out, or writing on – to indicate their concern instead.
Whether it is correct for people to return the awards or not is debatable; but the people who expressed such an alternate view – like actors Vidya Balan, and Kamal Hasaan – do have their own right to dissent (with the dissenters) is undeniable.
Whatever the point of view, the Award Wapasi by 75 odd people is not a physically intimidating act. Returning the awards is one of the most peaceful, and non-violent form of dissent, protest, or a manner of upholding your ideals.
Rabindranath Tagore renounced his 1915 knighthood in the aftermath of Jalianwala Bagh massacre of 1919. C.P. Ramaswami Iyer knighted twice in 1926 & 1939 renounced both in 1948 after Indian Independence. While Tagore’s renunciation was a protest, Iyer’s renunciation was a reinforcement of his ideals.
Thus when awardees return their felicitations, it should be a matter of consternation and contemplation for the establishment, and not one more chance to flex its muscle. But such is the character and worth of the present establishment in Delhi, their jaundiced eye views every voice questioning their policies as anti-national.
So the pet actor of the BJP - Anupam Kher - has been unleashed with the task of March For India, which is already underway in Delhi.
How ironical. A retort for a 100 people peacefully renouncing their awards, is a thousand strong mob marching, holding placards, and being vocal. To top it, they have the guts to call their March For India signifies ‘tolerance’.
As of this writing, at least 75 Indians who had been felicitated with National Awards in the past, comprising writers, historians, scientists, and filmmakers, have returned their awards, which has been dubbed Award Wapasi. The gesture was a protest against growing intolerance in the Indian society, and the inability of the ruling political combine to combat it effectively. There is an alternate view that the gesture of returning such awards is a crass act, and intelligent people should opt for better ways – by speaking out, or writing on – to indicate their concern instead.
Whether it is correct for people to return the awards or not is debatable; but the people who expressed such an alternate view – like actors Vidya Balan, and Kamal Hasaan – do have their own right to dissent (with the dissenters) is undeniable.
Whatever the point of view, the Award Wapasi by 75 odd people is not a physically intimidating act. Returning the awards is one of the most peaceful, and non-violent form of dissent, protest, or a manner of upholding your ideals.
Rabindranath Tagore renounced his 1915 knighthood in the aftermath of Jalianwala Bagh massacre of 1919. C.P. Ramaswami Iyer knighted twice in 1926 & 1939 renounced both in 1948 after Indian Independence. While Tagore’s renunciation was a protest, Iyer’s renunciation was a reinforcement of his ideals.
Thus when awardees return their felicitations, it should be a matter of consternation and contemplation for the establishment, and not one more chance to flex its muscle. But such is the character and worth of the present establishment in Delhi, their jaundiced eye views every voice questioning their policies as anti-national.
So the pet actor of the BJP - Anupam Kher - has been unleashed with the task of March For India, which is already underway in Delhi.
How ironical. A retort for a 100 people peacefully renouncing their awards, is a thousand strong mob marching, holding placards, and being vocal. To top it, they have the guts to call their March For India signifies ‘tolerance’.
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