The year 2015 has been a year of bans in India
Models: CHARAN, AQIL, AYISHA, DIYA, AMEETA and DOMINIC; (Photo: AR ANSER)
The year 2015 has been a year of bans in India with the government going all out to block everything it deems unfit for the Indian population. Over the past eight months there has been a string of prohibitions been imposed, which include pornography, movies, food, books and more.
From beef to documentaries, many feel that many recent government policies are regressive. On the occasion of India’s 69th Independence Day, we talk to young and talented artistes, musicians, models and photographers about what is that one ban they hope will not be imposed ever.
Don't ban social media: In a stifling society with multiple barriers faced by women, it’s liberating to go out there and set my business single-handedly. The freedom and ability to earn my right at the table, if this privilege were taken away, it would be regressive for all. I also hope social networking and Facebook is never banned. I’m not looking at the socialising aspect of it — but it has professional merits too as entire business are based on it! Many of us will lose the platform to interact with potential customers. Amrita Samant, Photographer
Do not censor TV: The ban I fear the most is Kanban because it’s the one management principle I have not a clue about. In addition to it, I think television censorship is the most annoying of them all. It’s a subtle rubbing of principles of some old bigot with outdated values on the viewers' faces. Let people choose what they want to see. Vijaynarain Rangarajan, Musician
Don’t ban any form of art: Banning or censorship of the arts is definitely of great concern. Plays and all other art forms are a means for reflection and expression. When we impede that, we encourage a culture of self censorship, we start doubting ourselves and submit to the idea that our daily life needs to be controlled by others. Mathivanan Rajendran, Theatre artiste and actor
Act up on existing bans to make city cleaner: They should really just act up on the existing bans. The bans that help make our cities cleaner. What about the ban in littering or public urination or the factories polluting the water bodies or food adulteration? These bans are usually talked about and discussed by the media and public and within two months the effect of it fades away. For example public smoking....the cops would fine anyone and everyone on the road. They shut down hookah parlours and went on a rampage ...but now the cops themselves are smoking on the road! We are all so hypocrtical. Surya Dinkar, Photographer
Don't ban sensitive issues, issue-based films: I’m a movie-buff and love watching all genres. It is quite disturbing to hear that a movie which talks about eligion/caste/politics or about conflicts between countries doesn’t get the opening or most likely gets a delayed release, due to censor issues and strikes. Films are a medium, which even a common man understands. The way it’s going, certain genres of movies might get banned in India and I really don’t wish for that to happen ... if only people can take the good from the movies they see. Surya Ganapathy, Model
Don't ban efforts to empower women: I know we already face the fight on this; but I hope it doesn’t get worse ... nobody should be prevented form loving who they want to love — in any way, manner or form. Also, I’m a huge advocate of female education and entrepreneurship — and wish that efforts to empower women are never banned. Anusha Swamy, Dancer and social worker
Don't ban public performances: My biggest worry is public performances! They are not only a source of entertainment for the audience, but also a platform for social interaction; therapeutic in many ways. It’s beneficial for all those who are a part of it — be it the performer or the audience or the sponsors. I don’t want the government to say that it causes public nuisance or it’s against our culture! They need to understand that culture is a way of life ... my way of living may not be the same as someone else; it doesn’t mean that the culture I follow is right and yours is wrong. Shilpa Natarajan, Independent musician
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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