The literary fest: Authors and readers alike wait eagerly for such festivals. Debate, dialogue, readings and stories, the fest had everything that one seeks from an assembly of writers and readers. If acclaimed writers left their impression, Oprah Winfrey stole the show.
The controversy: What was the controversy about? Was it regarding the banned book or the person who wrote it? Was it regarding the sentiments of a particular religion? Was it regarding freedom of speech or expression? Was there an election factor? Whatever the reason, no one was interested in the solution. The so called ‘hardliners’ and the so called ‘liberals’ did not help the cause. Perceived and real threats made matters worse. The on and off approach of the government was on expected lines.
Ban is on the book, not the man: Is the author in question so influential to affect the wisdom of Indian people? The book is already banned. The author was scheduled to speak on a different topic. He had visited India before. So why were people protesting against the author’s visit? Can’t he speak on any other book written by him, not even through video conferencing?
There is no justification to cause offense. Again, the same applies to the protesters. The problem is no one is interested in adopting a balanced approach.
Feast – In the end, the author in question got more attention than perhaps he could have got, if he was allowed to visit. Many others may have gone unnoticed. The gains were in the form of TRPs for some, increased publicity for some, and opportunity to score points on rival parties for some others. It provided opportunity for other countries to question India’s image.
People will continue to differ and the debate will continue for times to come. The perspective and approach is equally important as is the outcome of such debates in the society.