Archive · 20 Jan 2026
Debate on Freedom of Expression at JLF
The Jaipur Literature Festival had a big debate about freedom of expression.
Some people said it's a dangerous idea if only a few people have it, like putting people in jail for speaking their minds.
Others said it's dangerous for women because they get trolled online.
Everyone agreed that staying silent is even worse.
The debate happened on the last day of the festival, which ended with music and songs.
The 19th Jaipur Literature Festival concluded with a debate on 'Freedom of Expression is a Dangerous Idea'.
Participants included Ashish Gawande, Farah Dabhoiwala, Pawan K Varma, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Alice Oswald, Ian David Hislop, Navtej Sarna, and Navdeep Suri.
Ashish Gawande argued that freedom of expression is dangerous if enjoyed by only a few, citing examples like youth leader Umar Khalid being jailed.
Pawan K Varma and Priyanka Chaturvedi expressed that freedom of expression is dangerous, especially for women who face trolling and threats.
Most speakers agreed that freedom of expression has declined in the last decade and that silence is more dangerous than speaking out.
- Who
- Participants included Ashish Gawande, Farah Dabhoiwala, Pawan K Varma, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Alice Oswald, Ian David Hislop, Navtej Sarna, and Navdeep Suri.
- What
- A debate on the topic 'Freedom of Expression is a Dangerous Idea' took place.
- When
- On January 19, during the final day of the 19th Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF).
- Where
- Jaipur, India.
- Why
- To discuss the looming threat to freedom of expression in the current situation of the country.
- Event
- 19th Jaipur Literature Festival (JLF)
- Date
- January 19
- Location
- Jaipur, India
- Participants
- Ashish Gawande, Farah Dabhoiwala, Pawan K Varma, Priyanka Chaturvedi, Alice Oswald, Ian David Hislop, Navtej Sarna, Navdeep Suri
- Topic
- Freedom of Expression is a Dangerous Idea
