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Fifty
Years of Freedom
First
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Mary Thomas
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The Second World War was followed by the ‘Cold War’. The
contest between the two superpowers the United States and the Soviet
Union was a struggle between a free society and a closed one. Between
democracy (in the real meaning of the word – I mention this in
parenthesis because the communist countries called their regimes “Peoples”
Democracies) and totalitarianism. It manifested itself in almost every
field of human endeavour. One of which was in the realm of ideas. And
it is in this area that Minoo Masani along with Jayaprakash Narayan,
A.D.Gorwala, Purshottamdas Tricumdas and a whole host of eminent Indians
joined issue with the international communist movement of which the
Indian communists were a part. Freedom First, a monthly of 16 pages took on the task of educating
the people of India on the real nature of communism and the virtues
of an open society. The little journal kept at this task for the next
33 years until the collapse of the Soviet Union. In 1985 Freedom
First turned itself into a quarterly journal espousing the cause
of Liberalism. . Whether tirelessly carrying on its crusade against communism or as
a Liberal journal attempting to instill the values of individual freedom
and limited government, Freedom First never minced words or sought
to be ‘politically correct’. It was imperative to have such a movement creating an atmosphere of
freedom in every part of life – creating an open society where
people could feel free to bring their concerns and anxieties and debate
over them. Their allegiance would be only to the liberties of the mind.
The movement for cultural freedom draws its inspiration from India’s
glorious traditions. This is how Freedom First emerged as an
organ of the Indian Committee for Cultural Freedom (ICCF), and later
of the Democratic Research Service (DRS). With the disintegration of
the Soviet Union and, as a consequence of the international communist
conspiracy itself, DRS was disbanded and Freedom First reverted as the
organ of the ICCF. Starting out fifty years ago as a monthly journal
of twelve pages it grew in size to sixteen pages in 1958 and to a quarterly
publication since 1985. Freedom First is a kaleidoscope through which the world comes
alive to the reader in all its hues and shades leaving nothing significant.
It is a treat to the student of art, literature as well as to historians,
statesmen, political activists, social workers to the young and old
alike. It has always been critical of governments and individuals who
are corrupt and authoritarian. It has also acknowledged the courage
and dedication of persons small and big who have risked their lives
to uphold the values and principles they hold dear. Freedom First fought collectivist thinking and dictatorship
of any kind both at home and abroad. During the emergency imposed by
Indira Gandhi it kept freedom alive and became part of the Press she
could not whip. It remained critical of Nehru’s foreign policy
of neutralism and his prevarication when the Soviet Union’s Red
Army invaded Czechoslovakia and Hungary and the invasion of Tibet by
China. It invariably took up the cause of people who were oppressed
in any part of the world. The journal brought to focus issues on nuclear
tests, environment, corruption in government, education, Kashmir, Centre-State
relations, communalism, the rights of minorities among others. The journal was brought out under the guidance of versatile editors
belonging to differing ideological persuasions but united in their love
of freedom. These included Dinkar Sakrikar, a socialist, Mr. V. B. Karnik
the eminent trade unnionist who edited the journal for well over a decade
and was a pillar of strength to the journal as Secretary of the DRS
till his demise in 1989, Nissim Ezekiel the poet and, of course Minoo
Masani. It is refreshing to read the regular features that have earned
a reputation for high standards such as its book reviews, debate and
analysis of current issues, Masani’s column ‘Between You and
Me and the Lamp Post’, With Many Voices and feedback columns from
the readers. The youth of to-day will find it a unique experience to
go through the pages of Freedom First written by a galaxy of
men and women who provoke and inspire by their dedication and commitment
to causes, their courage of conviction, sheer simplicity and goodness
by which they enrich the society they live in – a fast dwindling
species! Mary Thomas Limited Copies available. Price : Rs. 50/- including Packing & Postage. Payment by M.O./ D.D or cheques accepted. For upcountry cheques, add Rs. 20/- for Bank Commission Charges. Send your remittance to : Freedom First, 3rd floor, Army & Navy Building,
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| Contents of the issue >> |