NOTE: The Hindus for Human Rights blog is a space for a healthy exploration of ideas pertinent to our mission. The views and opinions expressed in this blog are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Hindus for Human Rights.

In the Ramayana, as a defeated Ravana lay on his deathbed, Rama asked Lakshmana to seek Ravana’s knowledge, since Ravana was a renowned scholar. However, because Lakshmana approached Ravana with the arrogance as a victor, Ravana refused to share his wisdom.

Hearing this, Rama chided Lakshmana, because as the seeker he should have approached Ravana humbly. That Ravana was on the wrong side of dharma, or that they had defeated Ravana in battle was irrelevant here. Ravana was the scholar with the knowledge to share. 

This story is a great reflection of the values that Rama embodies and upholds. Even a demon king, known for his vile deeds, is not only respected for his wisdom but is sought out for his knowledge by Rama with folded hands. 

Yet today, our Hindutva government building temples in Rama’s name tells us not to listen to farmers, students, or any protestors disagreeing with the government. Anyone disagreeing with the government is denounced as unpatriotic, anti-national, anti-Hindu, following communist ideologies, and so on. 

Many stories in Hinduism encourage us to admire good qualities in everyone. Karna may have fought on the Kauravas’ side, but he is still known as “Daanveer Karna” (Charitable Karna) because his siding with adharma does not eclipse his charitable nature. The message of charity matters more than the messenger. We disagree with Karna’s choices while celebrating his good qualities. 

Our country stands at a crossroads and there is an impasse between the Hindutva government and its supporters and those that prefer a secular India.

Hinduism teaches us to seek knowledge from Ravana and cherish Karna for his charity. The same Hinduism should guide us to listen to our countrymen and grant them the right to protest and voice dissent with dignity, even if we disagree with their ideologies and positions. Even if we are not in solidarity with the protesting farmers, we should be able to appreciate the value of their voice or opinion. We should be opposed to the media’s vilification of their protest and their demands.

As often mis-attributed to Voltaire, though expressing his sentiment, “I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

Let us be a democracy again where each of us has a voice. Let us disagree, argue, debate but never silence one other. If we continue to shut each other up, very soon all we will hear is eerie silence of a graveyard, where the principles of democracy will rest in un-peace.