Being Libertarian

Do not think in categories writes Amit verma of Indiauncut in this excellent piece in the Mint. Its really tough being a libertarian in his country, though the principle behind the thought looks so very rational and logical for a society to follow. Think about it, why would anybody have a problem with an idea that goes “A person is the absolute owner of their own life and should be free to do whatever they wish with their person or property, as long as they allow others the same liberty”. But in India indivdual freedom is given the least importance and is trampled upon almost on a daily basis.

I am not surprised that as a society we care two hoots about individual freedom, and I do not forsee much hope of things changing in the near future. Because unlike the west, the least common denominator of our society is not the individual but the family and in most rural areas the communityor the caste. At the heart of expression of freedom, is expression of a choice, but even today in many communities individuals hardly make any choice, it get worse if the individual is a woman. Be it choice of education, professional carrier, or even marriage choice of the family/community often overrides choice of the individual. That’s why I feel even if the policy is smart and designed for the benefit of the individual, it will fail in India because it has to be delivered throught the community or the family.

But I live in hope, our generation, atleast some of us are recognizing the importance of individual freedom and though we are now a small number, we are bound to grow. Two cheers to feedom.

PS: This post will come out i know as if i am anti family, no no, mom, dad, sister, bro-in-law, endless cousins & aunts and would be partner i love you all:)