Panelists debate dissent in Statesman rural reporting awards

Dissent is part of democracy but how one should go about dissenting remains the big issue, experts said Sunday.

"Dissent is the means to end in democracy," one of the panelists, Madhavi Divan, said on Sunday at a discussion 'Surely, democracy isn't only about dissent', organised by the English daily 'The Statesman' here.

"Dissent keeps democracy alive and kicking," Divan said and also referred to the technological changes which has impacted dissent.

Another panelist Abhrajit Mitra struck a slightly different note saying, "Modern form of dissent is the debate in the House."
Mitra said "Right of dissent is not directly provided to people in Indian Constitution....Dissent in democracy means doing it in a civilised manner. Not dissenting on the street."
If trolling on social media or if that is also not part of dissent, panelist Tuktuk Ghosh said, "It is modern warfare. We have to be prepared for the battle."
Journalist Ishan Joshi moderated the discussion,