Defend Democracy Poem by Mehta Hasmukh Amathaal

Defend democracy
Wednesday,7th July 2021

Criticism is a part of democracy
freedom of speech is necessary 
it is granted to everybody
the constitution is the guarantor of the rights in the country

the citizen has right along with duties 
no one has been given amnesties
if it goes against the national interest
the best way is to impose strict censorship 

many organizations and even media groups have taken the liberty 
in targeting even the judiciary 
addressing the Prime Minister as a thief 
such liberty is harmful to a healthy democracy 

if a media group inflames the public sentiments
and presents reports in harming the congenial atmosphere
it must be forced to stop the campaign for hatred 
before it reaches the readers

to hold divergent views is a welcome step
it is not opposition but a step in the right direction
any action taken against violators does not amount to infringement of rights 
their fight is to bring a bad name to the legitimate government 

​​​​​​​Dr Hasmukh Mehta
D.Litt, Folt