At a time when we have a totalitarian regime at the Centre, a learned SC judge rightfully opined that authoritarianism sets in when society fears questions and stressed people must shed the binary of 'us' and 'they' and adopt the core constitutional philosophy of 'we' to preserve the country's unity in diversity. A society that fears questions becomes vulnerable to forces of fascism, a citizenry that treats tradition as beyond the pale of scrutiny may fail to reform unjust practices. Article 51A of the Constitution casts a duty on every citizen to develop a scientific temperament. It does not merely ask us to acquire scientific knowledge, it requires the citizens to cultivate a mindset based on analytical reasoning and logic. It tells us to enquire, to question, to examine and where necessary, to reform. Scientific temperament lays the foundation for the rule of law, arbitrary power thrives on ignorance, fear and unexamined belief. Those who ask questions must also be willing to listen to a different point of view. Willingness to reason together through a meaningful debate alone can make a society strong and this can happen only when people have access to information.
VINAY DWIVEDI, Benaulim
