Caste is often defined as a ‘closed class’. It is considered closed, not only due to the lack of upward-downward mobility, but also because of the lack of acceptance, assimilation and tolerance inherent in the system. Today, it is amazing to find similar traits gripping a growing number of professional communities in India: art, film, media, trade, industry, NGOs. Self-obsession, aggressive assertion for rights, demand for unrestrained freedom, intolerance to criticism are making them similar to a ‘closed class’.

The recent incident at MS University Baroda, where a fine arts student’s so-called artistic exploration led to conflict, tension and subsequent polarisation of artists may be seen in the same perspective. Artists rallied around the student to defend what they considered an attack on his freedom of expression while a section of society looked at his artistic exploration as a habitual and deliberate attempt by artists to denigrate the icons of Hindu religion and faith.

A group of artists, however, kept insisting that they must enjoy the freedom to artistic expression even if it hurts sentiments or sensibilities. These artists didn’t seem inclined to introspect or draw the line beyond which artistic expression becomes offensive expression. Such a gesture could have defused the crisis at an early stage and created better understanding for art and artists.

This is not an argument to curb the most cherished freedom of expression but an attempt to put it in the context of social order. Should we stand by the demand for unrestrained freedom by the various professional groups, no matter who they are, and precipitate perpetual confrontation? Or should we inculcate the culture of self-restraint to maintain social harmony?

... contd.