02/05/2012

PAUSE FOR THOUGHT: INDERPREET SAHOTA, a producer at the BBC Asian Network

Goodbye, Goodbye, Goodbye" waved the toddler in my train carriage, as passengers proceeded to leave the train. Many commuters smiled, said 'bye' and waved back. One man however, pointedly ignored her and turned to face the other direction. "Isn't he a cheeky monkey?" the girl exclaimed to her mother.

We encourage our children to use their voice, to be expressive, to develop their vocabulary and to say how they feel. Because, having freedom of speech is a basic human right for everyone.

I exercise my freedom of speech through my poetry. I've recently started performing my pieces at a monthly poetry evening, and I find it empowering. I can convey my inner most thoughts and sentiments, express my views and passions. It allows me to be free.
Many people have inspired me through their advocacy of the freedom of speech: Mahatma Gandhi, Malcolm X and Martin Luther King, to name a few.

And Sikh history has numerous examples of the Sikh gurus standing up for the right to free expression and living in a society based on moral justice. The ninth Sikh Guru, Sri Guru Tegh Bahadhur Ji, was publicly beheaded for courageously defending the right to freedom of expression of the Hindus, even though theirs was a different religion to his own.

"Give up your head, but forsake not those whom you have undertaken to protect" Guru Tegh Bahadur said.
"Sacrifice your life, but relinquish not your faith".

Guru Tegh Bahadhur Ji gave his life for freedom of religious expression - but also taught that while we should never yield to those that seek to intimidate us - we must also strive to ensure that we do not cause hurt or fear in others.

As a strong, morally conscious British Asian woman, I am aware of my role in society today. And due to the courage and sacrifice of our great forefathers, I'm reminded that the right to free speech is balanced with great responsibility.