Fear is contagious, so is courage! Gen Z has demonstrated this by obtaining the resignation of the Union Education Minister, the first time since 2014 anyone could successfully implement ministerial accountability. It is surprising that the government could convince the Supreme Court to continue detaining PhD student Umar Khalid for six years without trial under the draconian UAPA, denying him bail. Recently an assistant professor from a government-aided college sacked without due process for participating in the CJP protest at Jantar Mantar was reinstated by the Allahabad High Court. The Bar Council of India threatened to debar Nalsar law graduates for opposing the University’s invitation to the CJI and was pulled up by the Supreme Court. It is a shame that after 80 years of celebrating Independence Day, free speech guaranteed to us by our Constitution is sought to be curbed even in educational institutions. Anyone criticising the government or reading controversial material is not an anti-national or urban naxal, etc. The 'Dimagi Naxals' concept, proposed by the PM from the Red Fort on Independence Day, displays an anti-constitutional mindset that does not welcome dissent, free speech and accountability.
JOHN ERIC GOMES, Porvorim
