Jawaharlal Nehru’s exhortation to defend India’s freedom was made in the context of external aggression is as apt, possibly even more apt today, as Indian Democracy faces serious internal challenges that threaten to weaken it.

In India of today, freedom of thought is under threat. Fear reigns. Those who express dissent have been labelled ‘urban naxals’ and face censure and much worse.

A free press, so essential for a democracy, does not exist, except for a few brave pockets. The recent amendment to the UAPA, passed swiftly with little debate, bodes ill for the future, as it strengthens the power of the state against any dissent that it can label as ‘terrorist.’

Our leading educational institutions face great pressure to conform. The scientific temper, so important for the growth of our nation and for solutions to our many problems, is being held hostage to the forces of ignorance and superstition.