Freedom Of Speech:A Great Myth

I live in a democratic country where freedom of speech is a fundamental right. And how did I come to know this? From my history book in my school. But there is a twist in the tale.

Presently, I am a fourth year undergraduate student studying engineering in one of the most talked-about universities in my state in my country. And suddenly I have realised that “freedom of speech” is a basic myth that was taught to us in our school days. Maybe there was a certain time when I actually enjoyed this freedom. But it alarms me that there has been a subtle transition since I lost this freedom. And it would be very difficult for me or anybody who has closely watched me to exactly identify the particular phase of my life when this sudden transition took place. It may be highly possible that I never enjoyed this freedom. Strange yet true !!!!!

Let me illustrate with a very pertinent example.Last day I updated my facebook status about a particular issue which was bugging me constantly.But I had to delete my status thinking of the consequences that it might have if some of my teachers saw it.So is this what you call freedom of thought, let alone speech? How many of us would say something derogatory on the face of our manager at work? Probably none. Again thinking of the consequences. So is this freedom of speech? How many of us say something unpleasant to our parents each and every time we feel something wrong is happening around us? Again we suppress ourselves, giving due respect to their feelings. But again the funny clause of “freedom of speech” is violated?This menace has gone so far that one cannot openly criticize a government on a genuine issue.Immediately he is being threatened to put behind the bars.Is it justifiable in a democratic country like ours?There is no freedom of speech whatsoever in today’s society.

This issue reminds me of a famous quotation by one of the most influential individual ( in all probability, THE most significant man ) responsible for India’s freedom. I am talking about none other than Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. He said “Give me Blood and I promise you freedom ” ! Alas! Netaji is no more today. At least anyone is yet to prove or disprove his existence. But had he been alive today, he would have certainly agreed that freedom is almost scarcely obtained in the life of an adult – in mathematical terms, the limit of the freedom always tends to zero; be it school life, be it college life, be it married life, be it work life, be it retired life.