Counterview: Why ‘Brahmin conference’ should not have been cancelled at Delhi University

In “Why there should be no place for a ‘Brahmin conference’ at Indian universities”, Apoorvanand argues for a more inclusive conference rather than one that reeks of superiority over other castes. His arguments have merit but I will state some other counterpoints to show how cancelling a conference or any peaceful assembly especially in an educational space sets the stage for a point of no return.

1. Much has been said and written in the past about “cancel culture” that has swept across the globe. There are obvious negatives to it. Speech within the limits of Aritlcle 19 of the Consitution should not be hindered. Constitutional morality should lead the way and not any “particular” idea of morality. There is growing intolerance towards another’s opinion and what that is leading to is a shutting up of the opponent with sheer might. Whether in a campus, organisation or government, dissent is a healthy sign.

2. Cancelling or censoring gives more importance to the event, movie or book in questions. It is an old trope to call for the censoring of a movie or a book to make it a runaway success. By doing so, one is furthering the ideological cause of the opponent. That clearly would not be the...

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