I pride myself on the freedom of expression of opinion that India gives. If I am unhappy about something, I can freely write to a newspaper or magazine criticizing the people involved, blog about it, or go with a bunch of people and hold banners and march down the roads. I am happy that our newspapers brim with diversity of opinions and news. I am glad I can shoot a movie the way I want without pretty much getting a lot of it censored. I can shoot a movie about the political party I want to support and play it on TV. With a very few exceptions, I feel the government is quite doing well in granting me the freedom of expressing myself. But at what cost?

It is my fourth year in Singapore, and from the beginning of my stay here, I have been vaguely amused by the media and law here. My feelings have only become more appropriate now, in my final year, as I learn media law and read the hundreds of statutes that define seditious content, the word ‘obscene’ and party political films. As ever, I guffaw at what I consider a sad state of affairs when it comes to freedom of expression. There is only one noteworthy national newspaper, which likes the ruling government. Laws make sure the opposition is not anything to take note of. State television channels are a farce, as the government seems to have an invisible hand running it. People here do not really have many avenues to openly express what they feel, and in fact, not many even have anything to say. Three guys who blogged about an issue with ‘racist’ remarks were punished appropriately. Singapore is cautious, treading each step of its way with utmost concern, giving the government an absolute hand at handling people’s opinion, so that no situation arises that threatens the nation’s harmony and co-existence of the various races.

So on the one hand, we have India, that grants all its freedom, and is going far, yes, but still has way, way long to go in terms of development. On the other, we have developed Singapore, which has pretty much everything you need to lead a comfortable life – minus the privilege India grants. Even though I vehemently support the importance of having freedom of expression in my class, a doubt keeps creeping into my mind – is it worth it? India has achieved a great many things by granting this right, no doubt, but have we achieved what this right is for – development, peace? Have we taken for granted the right to speak up that seems to be running in our blood for centuries, been happy and smug about it, getting us pretty much nowhere in terms of the glorious vision of India as a developed nation?

Some answers please… a discussion could be enlightening!

Choice. How one simple word has enough potential to make you stop and think hard about something.
I stood there, torn between the two things drawing me to their sides. Is there really a choice? 'You always have a choice,' the words came to me. Said by some wise soul.
Soul. I had some soul-searching to do. Which would suit me? Both beckoned earnestly. I was at the boundary, given the tough job of choosing. My insides groaned. So did I.
My eyes wandered all over my immediate surroundings, looking for clues, cues, hints, to help me. That only made it worse, and I had to force myself to focus on my only two choices. Choose. Choice is a privilege, I knew. Not here. It killed me.
I closed my eyes. God, give me the power to decide. Give me the wisdom to choose the better option. Whichever would give meaning to my life, immediately. Is that asking for too much?
Someone slapped my back. I opened my eyes. 'Choose one, fast!' I heard.
Dairy Milk. Toblerone.
I'd rather be without a choice.

P.S.: Konjam kadi element popped up :P School's begun, and final year is no piece of cake. You have to do a final year project, study, apply for jobs, wonder how first years are getting hippier (:D) and worst of all, act like a responsible person. Losing my license to be myself at an alarming rate. What's to come?
And oh, did I tell you Chennaigal's family is back in Chennai, and Chennai is good ol' home again, and hopefully for a looong time to come? :)