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In the process of understanding the ethos of mass communication, a mathematical theory known as the Shanon & Weaver model came to being. This model is popular for having a linear breakdown of the communication process which at the end, generates feedback. Now, academicians believe that this effective communication model that seizes to exist. Why? For, it has the provision of feedback making it two way by nature. Feedback generates a metric to measure successful communication.
Look at democracy in the same light - you elect a body, they work on your behalf. You agree or disagree with their decisions. Either way, they are liable to address. Denial to which resists an establishment of communication. It may carry plausible changes in the operational value of the state completely.
Recently I took fancy of reading about Henry Derozio and his infamous Young Bengal Movement. The lines of which I could draw relevance to current times in the country. The liberalist and radical liberalist outrage is something I can relate to in today’s intensified heat of the NRC-NPR-CAA debate.
There are innumerable official and unofficial sources available for one to seek knowledge and understand which side of the debate they would choose to be on this. This can purely be out of one’s political leaning or just human conscious speaking. Derozians back then attained an enlightenment of knowledge which made them question various social evils. What empowered them to question? Education. That’s the primary fundamental purpose of the practice. An education that does not make you seek answers to existing and ongoing practices around you is a failed one. In the lieu, when twenty-two universities across the country take to the streets it shouldn’t be a shocker.
You should focus on studies rather than doing all this
When a controversial bill becomes an act overnight, it is expected that questions will arise. Especially when it comes at such economically challenging times for the country. Having found a hazed picture, when the people of the world’s youngest Democracy exercise their right to dissent, they have unfortunately faced challenges. The JMI and AMU crackdown, section 144 imposition, internet bans, social media threats, news channels restrained from showing visuals of violence and uncalled for arrests of protesters like Sadaf Jafar. One can see Adam’s Gagging Act repeating itself. Didn’t we learn in school that democracy means you too have a voice?
A compensatory release of common FAQs through government sources still leave out pertinent loopholes. The lack of addressal thereafter leaves scope for a Murshidabad like unrest scenario a probable reoccurrence. Communally volatile areas are more prone to act radically towards such issues subjecting to fear mongering. While vandalism is never a solution, keeping people in the dark is not very pleasant either.
The neighbourhood uncles might have a problem with you taking a stand which may not be aligned to theirs.“You should focus on studies rather than doing all this,” is what you may be countered with or the worst be called an anti-national - ironically for the good intent of your country. These are also tough times to afford to be entitled. As the student community, it is of utmost importance during such a politically fragile state that we must be aware of what is happening in our surroundings. It doesn’t have to imply that you choose to be a leftist, a rightist or a centralist. You may choose to be for or against a notion based on your evolved understanding, but developing a conscience is vital. But participating in a demonstration because it is cool would do more harm than good.
Students have a spinal role to play in a democracy as we look towards a future that we prepare for today. Right to know more, to debate, to discuss and to dissent all fall under our responsibility. Students must rise and realise their power and open their horizons, for they are the centric vessels and the best watch guards of a democracy.
By Joyee Mukherjee
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