Voices of Dissent – Romila Thapar

Voices of Dissent in English language is part of the Reimagining India Video Lecture Series.

Romila Thapar is Professor Emerita, JNU, New Delhi

Professor Thapar explains the importance and ever existence of dissent at length and its journey through the course of Indian history. She also discusses the social reform movements in the 19th century which questioned Brahmin orthodoxy that led to notions of nationalism. Further on, Professor Thapar introduces the emergence of two forms of dissent as Dharna and Satyagraha in which Gandhi even encouraged women to take part, stating that effective decent meant that it must be the voices of both men and women. She concludes by discussing how in a democracy, voices of all those that are affected should
be heard and not just of the law makers, stating that “Dissent is essential to the formulation of culture, and to the establishing of democratic forms and norms.”

‘Reimagining India’ hopes to start a conversation to explore the contours of a society that is more just, equal and aligned to the Constitutional values of liberty and fraternity. Over the next two months, beginning from Oct 2, 2021 , 50 lectures on relevant themes by leading public intellectuals and political leaders will provide an alternate vision for the country.