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The Free Voice: On Democracy, Culture and the Nation
‘The National Project for Instilling Fear in the people has reached completion. Before the promised highways and jobs, everybody has been unfailingly given one thing—fear. For every individual, fear is now the daily bread. We are all experiencing fear; it comes to us in many different forms—from the moment we step out of our homes, with so many warnings ringing in our ears... It is only the lapdog media which is safe in India today. Jump into and snuggle down in the lap of authority and nobody will dare say anything to you.’
At a time when free expression and individual liberty in India appear to be under serious threat, Ravish Kumar is one of our bravest and most mature public voices. Few journalists today have as keen an understanding of Indian society and politics and as strong a commitment to the truth. Fewer still can match him in eloquence and integrity.
In this revised edition of his best-selling book, Ravish Kumar, one of our bravest and most mature public voices, examines why debate and dialogue have given way to hate and intolerance in India, how elected representatives, the media and other institutions are failing us, and looks at ways to repair the damage to our democracy.
A new introduction and two additional essays examine developments since the election results of May 2019.
At a time when free expression and individual liberty in India appear to be under serious threat, Ravish Kumar is one of our bravest and most mature public voices. Few journalists today have as keen an understanding of Indian society and politics and as strong a commitment to the truth. Fewer still can match him in eloquence and integrity.
In this revised edition of his best-selling book, Ravish Kumar, one of our bravest and most mature public voices, examines why debate and dialogue have given way to hate and intolerance in India, how elected representatives, the media and other institutions are failing us, and looks at ways to repair the damage to our democracy.
A new introduction and two additional essays examine developments since the election results of May 2019.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2018
352 people are currently reading
3762 people want to read
About the author
Ravish Kumar
15 books301 followersRavish Kumar is an Indian TV anchor, writer and journalist who covers topics pertaining to Indian politics and society.
He was born in a small district called "East Champaran" with its headquarters at Motihari, in Eastern State of India, Bihar. He studied at Loyola High School, Patna , and later on he moved to Delhi for his higher studies. He graduated from University of Delhi and received a post-graduate diploma in Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. He published a book named देखते रहिये ("Dekhte Rahiye") in 2010. His next book, titled "इश्क़ में शहर होना" ("Ishq Mein Shahar Hona") was published by Rajkamal Publishers in 2015. He also writes articles for a number of daily and weekly news and literary publications in Hindi, several of which are also published on his website. He has received the prestigious Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Award for Hindi Journalism and Creative Literature for 2010 from the President of India (awarded in 2014). He was honoured with the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award for the Journalist of the Year 2013 (Broadcast). He has also won the Indian news television award 2014 for Best News anchor in Hindi
He was born in a small district called "East Champaran" with its headquarters at Motihari, in Eastern State of India, Bihar. He studied at Loyola High School, Patna , and later on he moved to Delhi for his higher studies. He graduated from University of Delhi and received a post-graduate diploma in Journalism from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication. He published a book named देखते रहिये ("Dekhte Rahiye") in 2010. His next book, titled "इश्क़ में शहर होना" ("Ishq Mein Shahar Hona") was published by Rajkamal Publishers in 2015. He also writes articles for a number of daily and weekly news and literary publications in Hindi, several of which are also published on his website. He has received the prestigious Ganesh Shankar Vidyarthi Award for Hindi Journalism and Creative Literature for 2010 from the President of India (awarded in 2014). He was honoured with the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award for the Journalist of the Year 2013 (Broadcast). He has also won the Indian news television award 2014 for Best News anchor in Hindi
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 387 reviews
May 26, 2018
The book deserves to be made part of highschool curricula for it tells you more about the current state of affairs in the Indian polity and society than any other media would.
It's safe to state that Ravish isn't the best television journalist going around. He's the only one. He's managed to carve a niche among a herd of chest thumping baboons with a rustic charm hitherto unforeseen in television journalism. Raising issues that are pertinent and raising them in a manner that is balanced and civilized makes him India's own Will McAvoy of Sorkin's Newsroom.
The book is a collection of his thoughts: some written afresh, some compiled from earlier speeches and essays. While some rustic satire is definitely lost in translation to English, this book must be seen against the backdrop against which it is written. Ravish has gone where no other journalist, or for that matter no other citizen, would in his critique of the government and the political and social environment prevailing in the country. And this despite the man himself facing abuse and death threats day in and day out.
So do a good deed today and read The Free Voice. Also, pass it on to your parents, siblings and friends who you had blocked on Social Media post May 2014.
It's safe to state that Ravish isn't the best television journalist going around. He's the only one. He's managed to carve a niche among a herd of chest thumping baboons with a rustic charm hitherto unforeseen in television journalism. Raising issues that are pertinent and raising them in a manner that is balanced and civilized makes him India's own Will McAvoy of Sorkin's Newsroom.
The book is a collection of his thoughts: some written afresh, some compiled from earlier speeches and essays. While some rustic satire is definitely lost in translation to English, this book must be seen against the backdrop against which it is written. Ravish has gone where no other journalist, or for that matter no other citizen, would in his critique of the government and the political and social environment prevailing in the country. And this despite the man himself facing abuse and death threats day in and day out.
So do a good deed today and read The Free Voice. Also, pass it on to your parents, siblings and friends who you had blocked on Social Media post May 2014.
June 21, 2018
I am scared whatever I say is going to be biased....as I love this guy so much. the book is written exactly in the manner he talks, raising very pertinent questions with his tongue in cheek humour. There is hardly anything he doesn't question caste, class, market economy, love, the way we consume news nowadays through whats app and Facebook. The fear he talks about is so real and close home now! I like the fact that the book doesn't end in despair and lists out reasons we still have for celebrating the Independence day, and how as individuals we can question power, and walk our talk in our own lives! I absolutely loved the book!
July 5, 2018
"As long as you consider yourself a citizen of the country, your conduct should be that of a citizen's. The task of demanding answers, with impartiality and without prejudice, is yours, and overrides any obligation to an organization. If you behave like the agent of a political party or a religious or cultural organization, you will destroy this democracy. It is your responsibility that after you vote a party into power, you step back and become impartial once more. If you think something is right, and good, call it so; and if something is wrong, call it wrong, too."
When I started reading this book, I got two kinds of reactions from people:
1) Ravish is a leftist, Modi-Hater, Pro-Congress. NDTV is paid media. Don't want to read this book.
2) Huge fan of Ravish. Only journalist in Indian television who has the courage to speak against the government.
I wanted to dive in and figure it out by myself. What I found out instead is that, this book, if anything, raises pertinent questions and if you are a person who values logic and reason and has been following what is going around in the society, then it will give you some food for thought.
When I started reading this book, I got two kinds of reactions from people:
1) Ravish is a leftist, Modi-Hater, Pro-Congress. NDTV is paid media. Don't want to read this book.
2) Huge fan of Ravish. Only journalist in Indian television who has the courage to speak against the government.
I wanted to dive in and figure it out by myself. What I found out instead is that, this book, if anything, raises pertinent questions and if you are a person who values logic and reason and has been following what is going around in the society, then it will give you some food for thought.
August 12, 2020
In short – Ravish is right and everyone else is either Godi media or ignorant!
September 25, 2021
Very boring book, not even a single facts are given there in the book, which he has talked about, only his opinion.
Everytime he talks about something new in the book; like- that this is happening or can happen in india; is only based on rumours, which he himself says,what if these things will start happening,we will become banana republic and blah blah...
Everytime he talks about something new in the book; like- that this is happening or can happen in india; is only based on rumours, which he himself says,what if these things will start happening,we will become banana republic and blah blah...
June 13, 2020
Ravish Kumar hates everyone except poor people specially of lower caste. For example: in chapter 6 he was defending poor and illiterate followers of Ram Rahim. Since critics were calling them superstitious. Our superhero ravish Kumar came to rescue arguing that if poor people go to a Baba they are called superstitious but if rich people go to Baba it is for stress management. And here I was thinking it was a common knowledge that religiosity decreases with the increase of household income. But this genius possess the thought process of a cockroach. Well at the end of the day if you enjoy this kind of content then go for it.
April 5, 2020
This book offers nothing new in terms of new ideas. The points which are being addressed are pretty basic and arguments given in support of them are pretty shallow. It is true that fake news and mob lynching became part of indian society but this book offers no new insight on any of these phenomenons. Book touched topics which are both controversial and needed much more attention and discussion. No references were provided for the claims made in the book which even though can be true but diminishes the reliability aspect of the book. Although, author himself warns against the side effects of fake news on society but himself believes in conspiracy theory propagated by western liberal society like American election were totally regulated by the Russian forces and Trump win only by Russian propaganda. Needless to say no references were provided in this regard as well. Also, although you will find examples of bashing out right wing hindutva fundamentalist but no criticism was provided for Islamist extremist. Deliberate ignorance and appeasment of fundamentalism of Islamist is responsible for the emergence of right wing extremism.
June 27, 2021
Many a times I felt that Ravish Kumar has not risen above the hollow liberal verbiage of "reformation", reducing unique identity signifiers to mere citizenry, washing over the many monstrous socio-economic inequalities breathing in stark daylight, neglecting the fact that the content of these "citizens" are structured around and by these inequalities.
However, for all its weaknesses, I must acknowledge that the book isn't meant to provide a structural analysis of the state of the Indian society today; just a coherent description. It's a call to shake off this drugged numbness that envelops us all, notice the sorry state of journalism in India today, where major media corporations have openly turned into state lapdogs; like Ravish Kumar repeatedly says, media from the fourth estate of democracy has become the first estate of the state.
This book merely nudges you to look, forge your own critical dialogues and paths; in that he does a brilliant job.
Yes, yes, it's "nothing new", we've all heard this before, but what exactly is the point of demanding novel critiques,when the ones we are already aware of are rotting in paper for a lack of fervent action? - while we sit smugly in our privileged bubbles stroking our privileged intellects. The goal is to reduce the gap between manual and mental labour. This book, for all its weaknesses, is incredibly relevant and an important primer in awakening a much needed political consciousness.
Anuradha Raman from The Hindu called this book a "mirror of our times." So it is. Solidarity and compassion is what it calls for, and in that it's an absolutely essential reading.
However, for all its weaknesses, I must acknowledge that the book isn't meant to provide a structural analysis of the state of the Indian society today; just a coherent description. It's a call to shake off this drugged numbness that envelops us all, notice the sorry state of journalism in India today, where major media corporations have openly turned into state lapdogs; like Ravish Kumar repeatedly says, media from the fourth estate of democracy has become the first estate of the state.
This book merely nudges you to look, forge your own critical dialogues and paths; in that he does a brilliant job.
Yes, yes, it's "nothing new", we've all heard this before, but what exactly is the point of demanding novel critiques,when the ones we are already aware of are rotting in paper for a lack of fervent action? - while we sit smugly in our privileged bubbles stroking our privileged intellects. The goal is to reduce the gap between manual and mental labour. This book, for all its weaknesses, is incredibly relevant and an important primer in awakening a much needed political consciousness.
Anuradha Raman from The Hindu called this book a "mirror of our times." So it is. Solidarity and compassion is what it calls for, and in that it's an absolutely essential reading.
September 16, 2020
A book that has to read by each and everyone who has ever been manipulated by the rhetoric of our Media. At present, Ravish isn't just another news Anchor who hosts his prime time show. He is the only one we have who has not succumbed to the cajolery of the ruling government.
He talks about his life experiences, caste, economy, class, and the future of news. The warns us of a monster that is slithering towards us at a pace faster than we can run. But the book also gives hope that this monster can be overpowered and there are reasons to not be afraid in these times of testing.
He talks about his life experiences, caste, economy, class, and the future of news. The warns us of a monster that is slithering towards us at a pace faster than we can run. But the book also gives hope that this monster can be overpowered and there are reasons to not be afraid in these times of testing.
August 21, 2020
Ravish has gone totally paranoid! The book does not make any sense other than the author's widowed howl which becomes monotonous and ridiculous getting deeper into the text. Avoidable.
July 15, 2020
If self-delusion had to have a face, it'd be Ravish Kumar. He thinks that only he is right and all others in the country are mad or biased. Come on man! You call yourself a journalist and you don't even know that people born in a democracy are bound to be biased because they have to vote one candidate. The book is a reflection of the rants that he makes day and night on a channel with no viewers. Waste.
August 23, 2020
A very poorly reflecting book. The author should come into direct party politics and fight an election instead of sermonising as if he is the only one who can get over all these issues.
April 27, 2019
"Where one leader dwarfs the landscape, there will be no lok, only tantra, no people, only a hollowed system, and the only thing standing will be a temple of falsehood.", observes author. These essays, written in the form of a book, are incisive, compelling, absorbing and, most importantly, immensely relevant in our present political landscape. Known for his brutal, yet accurate, criticism of the government, Ravish Kumar is one of the very few journalists who dare to question the social and political insanity happening around us.
Nationalism is a hot topic nowadays. Anyone who disagrees with the current government, its policies, or its philosophy is branded "anti-national". Campaigns are unleashed against him/her on social media, and the person is virtually encircled and trolled. We don't need nationalism. What we need is an overarching humanism.
Election season is upon us, the ubiquitous presence of the Internet and social media has given rise to a surge of fake news. IT cells of various political parties along with 'Whatsapp University' and 'godi media' are furthering their interest using them. Who is the frontrunner in this is self-evident. Fake news and propaganda provide a weapon with which to transform supporters into 'bhakts', the public into a mob and their behavior like that of a robot, thus giving rise to 'robo-public'. After all, what is power? The act of coloring this world with your favorites shades.
Mr. Kumar follows a logical approach, supplemented by facts and his signature blend of sarcasm, to illustrate his points. The relevance of the book in the current political scenario cannot be overstated. So, if you are a person who values logic and reason and has been following what is going around in society, then this read will give you some food for thought.
PS: This book bags the 100th position in my 'read' shelf which makes it special for me :)
Nationalism is a hot topic nowadays. Anyone who disagrees with the current government, its policies, or its philosophy is branded "anti-national". Campaigns are unleashed against him/her on social media, and the person is virtually encircled and trolled. We don't need nationalism. What we need is an overarching humanism.
Election season is upon us, the ubiquitous presence of the Internet and social media has given rise to a surge of fake news. IT cells of various political parties along with 'Whatsapp University' and 'godi media' are furthering their interest using them. Who is the frontrunner in this is self-evident. Fake news and propaganda provide a weapon with which to transform supporters into 'bhakts', the public into a mob and their behavior like that of a robot, thus giving rise to 'robo-public'. After all, what is power? The act of coloring this world with your favorites shades.
Mr. Kumar follows a logical approach, supplemented by facts and his signature blend of sarcasm, to illustrate his points. The relevance of the book in the current political scenario cannot be overstated. So, if you are a person who values logic and reason and has been following what is going around in society, then this read will give you some food for thought.
PS: This book bags the 100th position in my 'read' shelf which makes it special for me :)
August 9, 2019
Ravish has been a staunch critic of India's prime minister Narendra Modi,but he one of those who ask the Indian government "questions".This fearless journalism has also won him a Magasaysay Award.But can he write a book in English?
My answer is no.His content is good(eventhough I don't agree with a lot of stuff) but everything is cluttered.The chapter "Being the people" seems a bit bogus due to the writing style.The problem is that although Ravish is trying to comment on flaws of Indian democracy but what comes out is criticism of democracy which seems fake(this is probably due to translation).
I would suggest, listen to Ravish on NDTV but read the Hindi version of his books.
My answer is no.His content is good(eventhough I don't agree with a lot of stuff) but everything is cluttered.The chapter "Being the people" seems a bit bogus due to the writing style.The problem is that although Ravish is trying to comment on flaws of Indian democracy but what comes out is criticism of democracy which seems fake(this is probably due to translation).
I would suggest, listen to Ravish on NDTV but read the Hindi version of his books.
April 23, 2021
This book is based on the spirit of “holier than thou” where it says everything post 2014 has changed . Media is no more free but the paradox lies in the fact that Mr Ravish has written a book about media not being free in a not so free India . The portrayal of anything not Ravish as bootlicker journalists shows nothing but arrogance of author . Everyone has biases and Everyone knows that the Author is biased to an extent which can’t be expressed.
Just because the author is a critical to an ideology that rules India today , he should refrain from calling every journalist biased ,except him .
Just because the author is a critical to an ideology that rules India today , he should refrain from calling every journalist biased ,except him .
March 5, 2019
Ravish should stick to TV. Absolutely boring and worthless views in writing
July 30, 2018
This book would have deserved a better rating, had ravish written this book in Hindi. It was difficult for me to correlate Ravish's personality and views with the language of the book. However, the book is no surprise, it delves upon issues Ravish frequently raises in his facebook posts and prime time. For people who follow him regularly, the book fails to communicate any new point of view or opinion. It is a great summary of the last 4 years of the journalistic life of Ravish though. The Whatsapp University, trolls, and encroachment of democratic institutions are the central tenets of this book. The book does not have a smooth flow, the tempo dips and rises between chapters, and frankly, I was surprised when the book ended. It is a good refresher for someone not familiar with Ravish and his brand of journalism. However, for his regular viewers, this book disappoints.
August 23, 2020
I don't understand what this book is about. The greatness of Ravish? Fear? Hindus and Muslims? Trolling? Collection of unrelated essays?
Ravish's magical oratory in Hindi is absent in this English book.
Surprisingly, the word Fascist doesn't appear till a third of the book is over. It is a biased narrative but that's expected and fine by me.
But 176 pages and not one insight? Not fine.
Ravish's magical oratory in Hindi is absent in this English book.
Surprisingly, the word Fascist doesn't appear till a third of the book is over. It is a biased narrative but that's expected and fine by me.
But 176 pages and not one insight? Not fine.
September 23, 2018
The author's story is much more powerful in his typical style, in Hindi. A book lost in translation despite being a really brave one.
January 7, 2021
My consumption of daily news is now at all-time low. I have stopped watching TV news since a long long time. I don't read Newspapers regularly. I don't refresh news websites at regular intervals. I have unfollowed many newsy handles on twitter. So basically, I am unaware of all the daily happenings in my country.
And this happened because of three reasons -
First, when you try to consume news from any source, you would like to get the news and not necessarily views, especially from those who you think are not worth your time. But sadly, the TV news debates have over the time become a mockery on our sensibilities. Shouting matches in a fish market could be entertainment for some, but sadly is not my preferred way of consuming news.
Second - I refuse to partake the vicious propaganda that is peddled through different "news" sources. With my own intellectual capabilities, I would choose my news, the way I choose my food, my music and my entertainment. Yes, there is a high chance I would lose out on some important aspects, but, since I am not appearing the UPSC exam, so I believe, I am OK with this compromise.
And lastly, I feel that following daily news would take you further away from getting the big picture, and I don't want to lose the forest for the trees.
However, I am not completely socially cut-off. I do get Whatsapp forwards. I do see occasional twitter trends. And since I have friends and acquaintances from both sides of the aisle, I get to see the views of the champions of both right and left. Ravish Kumar is the prominent journalist that features in many such forwards coming from the left. I am afraid, I haven't seen his news show, so my impressions limited to those clips only. And to be honest, even if I like some of the contents of what he says, and he appears to be an intrepid voice against the people in power, somehow I am not a big fan of his delivery style. To me he comes across a whiny pessimist, with a victim syndrome. This book reads like the same. How the current right-wing government in power is throttling the voice of those who dare to question back, either through legal actions, or by unleashing the army of trolls who pounce upon them in the name of nationalism, is the pre-dominant theme of the book. High on emotions and sentiments, low on more factual instances. The book is an easy read, as most of the arguments you would know any which way. It would act to further your confirmation bias.
Ravish is definitely doing a fine work in journalism, as to stand away from the coterie questioning the government in power, during these times where journalists are losing their freedom, livelihoods, and sometimes, lives, is no mean act. That’s why he was conferred with the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award. More power to such people.
And this happened because of three reasons -
First, when you try to consume news from any source, you would like to get the news and not necessarily views, especially from those who you think are not worth your time. But sadly, the TV news debates have over the time become a mockery on our sensibilities. Shouting matches in a fish market could be entertainment for some, but sadly is not my preferred way of consuming news.
Second - I refuse to partake the vicious propaganda that is peddled through different "news" sources. With my own intellectual capabilities, I would choose my news, the way I choose my food, my music and my entertainment. Yes, there is a high chance I would lose out on some important aspects, but, since I am not appearing the UPSC exam, so I believe, I am OK with this compromise.
And lastly, I feel that following daily news would take you further away from getting the big picture, and I don't want to lose the forest for the trees.
However, I am not completely socially cut-off. I do get Whatsapp forwards. I do see occasional twitter trends. And since I have friends and acquaintances from both sides of the aisle, I get to see the views of the champions of both right and left. Ravish Kumar is the prominent journalist that features in many such forwards coming from the left. I am afraid, I haven't seen his news show, so my impressions limited to those clips only. And to be honest, even if I like some of the contents of what he says, and he appears to be an intrepid voice against the people in power, somehow I am not a big fan of his delivery style. To me he comes across a whiny pessimist, with a victim syndrome. This book reads like the same. How the current right-wing government in power is throttling the voice of those who dare to question back, either through legal actions, or by unleashing the army of trolls who pounce upon them in the name of nationalism, is the pre-dominant theme of the book. High on emotions and sentiments, low on more factual instances. The book is an easy read, as most of the arguments you would know any which way. It would act to further your confirmation bias.
Ravish is definitely doing a fine work in journalism, as to stand away from the coterie questioning the government in power, during these times where journalists are losing their freedom, livelihoods, and sometimes, lives, is no mean act. That’s why he was conferred with the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award. More power to such people.
January 21, 2021
2nd year in a row the first book I finished in the year is getting 5 stars and it deserves all the stars. This is an important book and I knew that I had to get and read the book as soon as I saw it. And now slowly and steadily I have finished the book. This book and the topics are of my own heart. I know how much things are messed up and how much we are in the need to change and that is never easy and not going to be easy. It's true that there is an atmosphere of fear and people are afraid to express their views I know because I have stopped myself from writing a blog post or sharing something just because I don't want to end up in jail or with a police case. But I can maybe write a book but that would be ways later right now I am working on other ideas and they would be written first. Till then I will have to enjoy the works of other brave souls who are at least braver than I.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put I just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while. I read almost all the genres but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books which are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
People who don't read generally ask me my reasons for reading. Simply put I just love reading and so to that end I have made it my motto to just Keep on Reading. I love to read everything except for Self Help books but even those once in a while. I read almost all the genres but YA, Fantasy, Biographies are the most. My favorite series is, of course, Harry Potter but then there are many more books that I just adore. I have bookcases filled with books which are waiting to be read so can't stay and spend more time in this review, so remember I loved reading this and love reading more, you should also read what you love and then just Keep on Reading.
December 9, 2018
"Life and Freedom have not been bestowed on us by the Constitution, they have always existed; the Constitution only protects them."
Ravish Kumar writes from the heart. I doubt he knows any other way of writing. His plea, in The Free Voice, is to the Indian populace to look within ourselves and recognize what it means to be in a democracy and act like it. His attempt is that of a grassroots NGO worker to sit with you and help you be a better version of yourself.
The Free Voice is less of a book and more like an extended Prime Time show on NDTV India. It's almost as if he was talking to you with the familiar red mike in hand. Even through the translations, you can feel the ever present wry sarcasm in his writing.
"If we are not vigilant about our rights in a democracy, it does not matter how much Bournvita and Chyavanprash we consume."
Ravish starts off from a vulnerable position, admitting to crippling fear and self doubt, empathizing with those who live in fear of retribution from the powers that are. Through current events like killing of journalists and fake news, he presents a case for how an unempowered citizen's opinion is being swayed where it's loose and silenced where it's loud.
Ravish is honest in his writing as he is in his reporting. He gave me my next new years resolution - to speak out where I can so that I don't let echo chambers form around me.
Ravish Kumar writes from the heart. I doubt he knows any other way of writing. His plea, in The Free Voice, is to the Indian populace to look within ourselves and recognize what it means to be in a democracy and act like it. His attempt is that of a grassroots NGO worker to sit with you and help you be a better version of yourself.
The Free Voice is less of a book and more like an extended Prime Time show on NDTV India. It's almost as if he was talking to you with the familiar red mike in hand. Even through the translations, you can feel the ever present wry sarcasm in his writing.
"If we are not vigilant about our rights in a democracy, it does not matter how much Bournvita and Chyavanprash we consume."
Ravish starts off from a vulnerable position, admitting to crippling fear and self doubt, empathizing with those who live in fear of retribution from the powers that are. Through current events like killing of journalists and fake news, he presents a case for how an unempowered citizen's opinion is being swayed where it's loose and silenced where it's loud.
Ravish is honest in his writing as he is in his reporting. He gave me my next new years resolution - to speak out where I can so that I don't let echo chambers form around me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2020
I dont know where to start from. First of all let me be very clear about this. One person or one party cannot be equivalent to the nation. Any democracy which claims to be free has to give the citizen the supreme right of dissenting. If somebody does so then he or she cannot be termed as anti national or for that matter any adjective which we often hear in daily discussions. Now if we talk about this book then the author has very clearly stated what he thinks of the republic we live in. Now I urge also the people who might not like the opinion of this author to just read through it once. I just want people to read before they form their opinion about anything. Dont take this as gospel but come with information and not agenda.
The author is also a recipient of the magsaysay award and his speech is included in this version of the book. Now I have always believed that any problem plaguing the society can only be resolved when it is acknowledged. Now only people who dissent will tell you about the problem and hence it becomes important that you pay attention to them.
One final advice which the author gives is that be a fan of the sportsperson, artist , filmstar, youtuber but never be a fan of a politician because then you are essentially compromising on the role of the citizen.
Whether you agree with him or not but do read him once.
The author is also a recipient of the magsaysay award and his speech is included in this version of the book. Now I have always believed that any problem plaguing the society can only be resolved when it is acknowledged. Now only people who dissent will tell you about the problem and hence it becomes important that you pay attention to them.
One final advice which the author gives is that be a fan of the sportsperson, artist , filmstar, youtuber but never be a fan of a politician because then you are essentially compromising on the role of the citizen.
Whether you agree with him or not but do read him once.
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October 14, 2018Ravish Kumar’s book gives voice to the many fears that we have in our hearts. His book from the very beginning hints at the extraordinary time that we are living in, when speaking out is no more a normal activity but an act of bravery. Ravish Kumar talks about his own journey from being fearful to giving up that fear. From myriad examples in his life, he states how he came to terms with his own fears. The very first chapter titled “Speaking Out” drives home the fact that there is a need to take silence head on. As a journalist, he wages a daily war to be true to his profession and speak the truth. Even if speaking out means facing the wrath of trolls. He recounts how he has faced harassment for speaking out and questioning those at the helm of power. Starting from death threats, to fake propaganda, to threat about harming his family, he has faced it all.
Read the entire review at:
https://parvinsultana.blogspot.com/20...
Read the entire review at:
https://parvinsultana.blogspot.com/20...
May 14, 2018
Important contribution by a Hindi journalist on the increasing levels of abuse and the manufacturing of fear to suppress dissent that is going on in Modi's India. Though too diplomatic to attack the present PM directly, Kumar, nonetheless eloquently describes the climate of intimidation and harassment faced by journalists who seek to question the current regime and the levels of online and personal abuse, as well as threats both to their jobs and their physical safety that the face as a consequence. Not a naturally brave man, Kumar has taken a brave stance in difficult times and become a marked man as a result; unlike what Advani said of journalists during the Emergency, when asked to bend, not only did he not crawl but stood up straighter.
March 20, 2019
Ravish Kumar has written a polemic on those undermining the indian political system and their methods. This book is a call to arms for Indian citizens to partcipate vigourosly in the democracy - not only voting in elections but holding those in power responsible for their actions even if they have voted for them. He attacks the purveyors of fake news and those who are actively promoting fear and xenophobia for different sections of soceity. This collection of essays is good but the last third feels a little repeitiitve. Also I would have liked a deeper dive into Aadhaar and the right to privacy, but the author just skims the surface here.
November 19, 2019
It’s been said time and again that a great piece of art should be the screenshot of its time. And when it comes to journalism I think this statement becomes more relevant because it asks the uncomfortable questions to the authorities and state.
Ravish Kumar writes ‘चुनौती सिर्फ़ स्टेट नहीं है, स्टेट जैसे हो चुके लोग भी हैं.’ The Book बोलना ही है’ is so relevant, relatable and responsible that I won’t be surprised if it becomes a reference point of our times in future.
Ravish Kumar writes ‘चुनौती सिर्फ़ स्टेट नहीं है, स्टेट जैसे हो चुके लोग भी हैं.’ The Book बोलना ही है’ is so relevant, relatable and responsible that I won’t be surprised if it becomes a reference point of our times in future.
January 27, 2020
Very insightful about the current situation between the Indian politics and people.
August 8, 2023
'It was the government which used to strike fear into the hearts of citizens; now the mainstream media and social media are its active allies. ' - Ravish Kumar
উগ্র জাতীয়তাবাদ এখন নানা লেবাসে তৎপরতা দেখাচ্ছে। কোথাও তা জাতির শ্রেষ্ঠত্ব নিয়ে শেকড় গেড়ে বসছে, আবার ধর্মের সাথে রাজনীতির ককটেল বানিয়ে জনতাকে খাওয়াছে ; ক্ষেপিয়ে তুলছে সংখ্যালঘুর বিরুদ্ধে। প্রখ্যাত সাংবাদিক রাভিশ কুমারের এই কলামসংকলন এক তমসাচ্ছন্ন সময়ের কথা স্মরণ করিয় দেয়। অন্ধকারকে মেনে না নিয়ে রুখে দাঁড়ানোর প্রত্যয় জোগায়।
উগ্র জাতীয়তাবাদী কোনো সরকার ভিন্নমত সইতে পারে না। সরকার বিরোধিতাকে তারা রাষ্ট্রদ্রোহিতা জ্ঞান করে এবং সমস্বরে প্রচার করে। উগ্রবাদী সরকারের এজেন্ডা থাকে বিপক্ষের কণ্ঠস্বরকে দলন করা, নিপীড়ন করা এবং প্রশ্ন করতে না দেওয়া। প্রশ্নহীন আনুগত্য কায়েমের জন্য তারা ভয়ের সংস্কৃতি তৈরি করে। আইনের মাধ্যমে তারা সমালোচকদের শায়েস্তা করার ব্যবস্থা করে, পোষা গণমাধ্যমের সহায়তায় প্রতিমুহূর্তে ফেক নিউজ ছড়ায়। অর্ধসত্য, ডাহা মিথ্যা সংবাদ প্রচারের জন্য ক্ষমতাসীনদের তাকে পোষা গণমাধ্যম। যাকে ' 'Lapdog Media' বলে অভিহিত করেছেন রাভিশ কুমার। সাম্প্রতিক সময়ে ভারতে ঘটে যাওয়া কিছু ঘটনার উদাহরণ দিয়ে এই পোষা গণমাধ্যমের নির্লজ্জ ভূমিকার কথা খোলাসা করেছেন রাভিশ কুমার।
ক্ষমতাসীনরা ধর্মীয় উগ্রপন্থা ছড়াতে এবং বিরোধিমতকে রুদ্ধ করে দিতে জনতাকে ব্যবহার করে। জনসাধারণের একটি বড় অংশ নিজেদের বিচারবোধ, যুক্তিতর্কের ক্ষমতাকে বন্ধক দিয়ে দলের অন্ধ ভক্তে পরিণত হয়। এই অন্ধ ভক্ত বা মবরাই হলো সবচেয়ে ভয়াবহ। তারা নিজ দলের বিপক্ষে, নেতার বিরুদ্ধে কোনো কথা শুনতে চায় না, মানতে চায় না। নজির হিসেবে রাভিশ কুমার মোদি এবং বিজেপির হিন্দুত্ববাদী ভক্তদের কার্যকলাপের ফিরিস্তি দিয়ে লিখেছেন,
' It isn’t easy to speak out against Power. Before you speak, you will have to choose between jail and amputation. Or a lynching.
ধর্মান্ধতা এবং উগ্র জাতীয়তাবাদকে পুঁজি করে, জনতার মগজ ধোলাইয়ের মাধ্যমে ক্ষমতাকে পাকাপোক্ত করা এখনকার সরকারগুলোর প্রধান লক্ষ্য। আইনের ফাঁদে, সামাজিক মাধ্যমে ঘৃণার চাষ করে এবং পোষা গণমাধ্যমের সাহায্য যেখানে ভয়ের আবহ তৈরি করা হয়, সেখানে ক্ষমতার পদলেহনের বিরুদ্ধে দ্রোহ করা খুব কঠিন। এক্ষেত্রে রাভিশ কুমারের মন্তব্য প্রণিধানযোগ্য,
'To speak out is not difficult. What is hard is to walk through the tunnel of fear before the act of talking. That fear is not always the fear of Power. One is scared of making mistakes. The fear of possible reactions to what one has to say also bothers one. The battle with fear begins once you have said what you wanted to. '
নির্যাতনের, গুম হওয়ার, সামাজিক অসম্মানের ভয় দেখিয়ে সমালোচনার পথকে রুদ্ধ করা যায় না। তাতে রুদ্ধ হয় গণতন্ত্র, নষ্ট হয় ব্যক্তিস্বাধীনতা, কায়েম হয় ফ্যাসিবাদ। মুক্তির একটাই উপায় তা হলো যেকোনো অন্যায়ের বিরুদ্ধে প্রতিবাদ!
প্রেক্ষাপট ভারত হলেও বাংলাদেশের পাঠকগণ পড়ুন, দৃষ্টি খুলে যাবে। ভীষণ সাহসী এবং সময়োপযোগী লেখা।
উগ্র জাতীয়তাবাদ এখন নানা লেবাসে তৎপরতা দেখাচ্ছে। কোথাও তা জাতির শ্রেষ্ঠত্ব নিয়ে শেকড় গেড়ে বসছে, আবার ধর্মের সাথে রাজনীতির ককটেল বানিয়ে জনতাকে খাওয়াছে ; ক্ষেপিয়ে তুলছে সংখ্যালঘুর বিরুদ্ধে। প্রখ্যাত সাংবাদিক রাভিশ কুমারের এই কলামসংকলন এক তমসাচ্ছন্ন সময়ের কথা স্মরণ করিয় দেয়। অন্ধকারকে মেনে না নিয়ে রুখে দাঁড়ানোর প্রত্যয় জোগায়।
উগ্র জাতীয়তাবাদী কোনো সরকার ভিন্নমত সইতে পারে না। সরকার বিরোধিতাকে তারা রাষ্ট্রদ্রোহিতা জ্ঞান করে এবং সমস্বরে প্রচার করে। উগ্রবাদী সরকারের এজেন্ডা থাকে বিপক্ষের কণ্ঠস্বরকে দলন করা, নিপীড়ন করা এবং প্রশ্ন করতে না দেওয়া। প্রশ্নহীন আনুগত্য কায়েমের জন্য তারা ভয়ের সংস্কৃতি তৈরি করে। আইনের মাধ্যমে তারা সমালোচকদের শায়েস্তা করার ব্যবস্থা করে, পোষা গণমাধ্যমের সহায়তায় প্রতিমুহূর্তে ফেক নিউজ ছড়ায়। অর্ধসত্য, ডাহা মিথ্যা সংবাদ প্রচারের জন্য ক্ষমতাসীনদের তাকে পোষা গণমাধ্যম। যাকে ' 'Lapdog Media' বলে অভিহিত করেছেন রাভিশ কুমার। সাম্প্রতিক সময়ে ভারতে ঘটে যাওয়া কিছু ঘটনার উদাহরণ দিয়ে এই পোষা গণমাধ্যমের নির্লজ্জ ভূমিকার কথা খোলাসা করেছেন রাভিশ কুমার।
ক্ষমতাসীনরা ধর্মীয় উগ্রপন্থা ছড়াতে এবং বিরোধিমতকে রুদ্ধ করে দিতে জনতাকে ব্যবহার করে। জনসাধারণের একটি বড় অংশ নিজেদের বিচারবোধ, যুক্তিতর্কের ক্ষমতাকে বন্ধক দিয়ে দলের অন্ধ ভক্তে পরিণত হয়। এই অন্ধ ভক্ত বা মবরাই হলো সবচেয়ে ভয়াবহ। তারা নিজ দলের বিপক্ষে, নেতার বিরুদ্ধে কোনো কথা শুনতে চায় না, মানতে চায় না। নজির হিসেবে রাভিশ কুমার মোদি এবং বিজেপির হিন্দুত্ববাদী ভক্তদের কার্যকলাপের ফিরিস্তি দিয়ে লিখেছেন,
' It isn’t easy to speak out against Power. Before you speak, you will have to choose between jail and amputation. Or a lynching.
ধর্মান্ধতা এবং উগ্র জাতীয়তাবাদকে পুঁজি করে, জনতার মগজ ধোলাইয়ের মাধ্যমে ক্ষমতাকে পাকাপোক্ত করা এখনকার সরকারগুলোর প্রধান লক্ষ্য। আইনের ফাঁদে, সামাজিক মাধ্যমে ঘৃণার চাষ করে এবং পোষা গণমাধ্যমের সাহায্য যেখানে ভয়ের আবহ তৈরি করা হয়, সেখানে ক্ষমতার পদলেহনের বিরুদ্ধে দ্রোহ করা খুব কঠিন। এক্ষেত্রে রাভিশ কুমারের মন্তব্য প্রণিধানযোগ্য,
'To speak out is not difficult. What is hard is to walk through the tunnel of fear before the act of talking. That fear is not always the fear of Power. One is scared of making mistakes. The fear of possible reactions to what one has to say also bothers one. The battle with fear begins once you have said what you wanted to. '
নির্যাতনের, গুম হওয়ার, সামাজিক অসম্মানের ভয় দেখিয়ে সমালোচনার পথকে রুদ্ধ করা যায় না। তাতে রুদ্ধ হয় গণতন্ত্র, নষ্ট হয় ব্যক্তিস্বাধীনতা, কায়েম হয় ফ্যাসিবাদ। মুক্তির একটাই উপায় তা হলো যেকোনো অন্যায়ের বিরুদ্ধে প্রতিবাদ!
প্রেক্ষাপট ভারত হলেও বাংলাদেশের পাঠকগণ পড়ুন, দৃষ্টি খুলে যাবে। ভীষণ সাহসী এবং সময়োপযোগী লেখা।
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