The Politics and Culture of Non-State Censorship in Contemporary India: Contextualising the Ramanujan Ramayana Essay Controversy

The Programme in Comparative Media Law and Policy and South Asia History Seminar Series present:

The Politics and Culture of Non-State Censorship in Contemporary India: Contextualising the Ramanujan Ramayana Essay Controversy

Increasingly India has seen a worrying trend, of publishers withdrawing, or choosing not to publish books, bookstores refusing to sell titles, multiplexes choosing not to screen certain films, that has threatened the very foundation of academic, literary and artistic freedom in India. These actions have raised questions about the value attached to freedom of expression and the manner in which India seeks to protect it as a polity.

The issue has taken centre stage again in the context of the controversy surrounding eminent scholar A.K Ramanujan's essay on the Ramayana. The panel discussion will interrogate the nature and politics of and possible responses to this conjuncture where non-State actors pose the most potent threats to free speech.

Dr. Ramachandra Guha
Philippe Roman Professor in History and International Affairs, LSE

Dr. Nandini Gooptu
Reader in South Asian Studies, University of Oxford

Dr. Faisal Devji
University Reader in Modern South Asian History, University of Oxford

Time and Date: 6.00PM; 30 November 2011 (Wednesday, 8th Week)
Venue: Seminar Room G, Social Sciences Building, Manor Road

All welcome
Refreshments will be provided following the seminar