Return of Rushdie’s Verses a win for freedom of ideas

It is heartening to learn that Salman Rushdie’s controversial book The Satanic Verses has finally returned to bookshops in India — the land of his birth. John Milton aptly said, “ He who destroys a good book, kills reason itself.” While it’s debatable whether Rushdie’s work qualifies as a “good book”,  the fact remains: censorship is the child of fear and the father of ignorance.

The decision to ban the book 36 years ago by then-Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, perhaps  without  reading it, exemplifies the shallow basis of most such prohibitions. In fact, most of the banned and burned books are often not read by those protesting them. The act of banning is frequently rooted in perceived public sentiment rather than an informed evaluation of the work. In this context, the freedom of expression becomes a misnomer  because, as some argue, what is freedom of expression without the freedom to offend? Author Margaret Atwood described book bans as a sign of totalitarianism, emphasising that books, by spreading ideas, achieve an indestructible legacy. Ellen Hopkins poignantly captured this in her words: “Torch every book. Char every page. Burn every word to ash. Ideas are incombustible. And therein lies your real fear.”

In a free society, no book should be banned or burnt. Every book, however flawed or objectionable it may appear, has something to offer. 

Books challenge the status quo, spark conversations, and inspire action. Many have been censored precisely because they threaten entrenched beliefs or promote social change. Reading banned books allows individuals to gain new perspectives, question their beliefs, and ignite transformative conversations.  The written word educates, inspires, and empowers, fostering a more just and equitable society. 

By silencing one voice, we limit the collective human dialogue and our own growth. Censoring ideas restricts the opportunity to engage with alternative viewpoints and expand understanding. Diverse voices enrich societal discourse, enabling empathy and open-mindedness. 

For instance, The Bluest  Eye by Toni Morrison has faced bans for its depictions of violence, sex, racism, incest, and abuse and yet it continues to be read and discussed for its profound insights. Similarly, Dr B R Ambedkar’s The Riddles in Hinduism was frowned upon, but it has been widely read and remains influential. 

Literature challenges authority and fosters critical thinking, providing readers the courage to confront injustice. Books unite people, spark conversations, and inspire action. They allow us to explore different worlds, broaden
our horizons, and find common ground, enabling collective progress.

Ignorance is the enemy of progress. When individuals close themselves off to new ideas, they perpetuate fear, prejudice, and stagnation. Learning and open-mindedness, on the other hand, drive innovation, empathy, and societal advancement. Censorship, driven by prudery, political expediency, or outdated moral standards, has repeatedly suppressed literature and ideas. For example, Rajiv Gandhi’s Congress evinced great alacrity in banning Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses because Congress didn’t want to antagonise people of a particular faith. 

D H Lawrence’s Lady Chatterley’s Lover was banned in India under obscenity laws, as well as in the United Kingdom, where it became a historic trial.  The victory of its publisher marked a turning point for freedom of expression. Similarly, Bengali novelist Samresh Basu’s Bibar and Prajapati  faced allegations of obscenity, but spirited defence by the author eventually led to the bans being overturned by the Supreme Court of India. 

Rushdie’s The Satanic Verses—arguably one of his less accomplished works—became famous (or infamous?) because of its blasphemous content. Yet, as Rushdie himself noted, “Respect for religion has become a code phrase meaning ‘fear of religion.’ Religions, like all other ideas, deserve criticism, satire, and, yes, our fearless disrespect.”

It’s time for readers in India to have access to a wide spectrum of books without interference from the State.  Morality and conscience are personal domains, and the government should not dictate them. The recent availability of The Satanic Verses, even if through a bureaucratic loophole, is a welcome step. 

(The writer is an advanced research scholar of Semitic languages, civilisations and cultures)