The Limits of Freedom

The Limits of Freedom: The Conflict Between Rights and Discipline

The Allure and Reality of Freedom:

Today, the words 'Freedom', 'Azadi', or 'Liberty' have captivated every age group. Ironically, everyone today seeks liberation from every rule and boundary. This trend is clearly visible in every dimension of our lives—our language, attire, and behavior. Unfortunately, its adverse effects are pervasive throughout society.

​Often, even the slightest restriction triggers an outcry about the 'violation of freedom'. Whether it is an individual or an organization, in the name of freedom, what everyone truly seeks is 'Licentiousness'. Sometimes under the guise of 'Freedom of Choice', and other times under the pretext of 'Freedom of Expression'.

​The Illusion of Unbridled Freedom

It is astonishing that the obsession with personal freedom has so consumed these so-called 'freedom lovers' that they do not care in the slightest if their freedom is becoming a cause of trouble, suffocation, or pain for others. Their 'freedom' has become so unbridled that they do not even consider it necessary to reflect upon it.

​The argument of these 'freedom-seekers' is quite peculiar—they believe that if someone is inconvenienced by their freedom, it is merely that person’s narrow-mindedness. Anyone unable to welcome their unruliness is, in their eyes, 'backward', 'conservative', or 'narrow-minded'. These 'revolutionaries' have taken it upon themselves to dismantle the preferences, beliefs, and thoughts of others in the wave of their own indulgence. In their craze for 'rule-less freedom', they forget that if they have the freedom to break rules, others have an equal right to follow their own rules.

​In reality, most people today have begun to interpret freedom as a 'rule-less, licentious life'—a life based solely on personal selfishness and whims, which is then justified through fallacious logic. But the truth is that such unbridled freedom is neither practically possible nor socially appropriate.

​The Distorted Form of Freedom: Reels, Obscenity, and Unruliness

[This article read in हिन्दी hear.]

Today, the most horrific form of 'Freedom of Expression' is seen in the 'Reel Culture' of social media. In the name of freedom, performing obscene acts in public places, stooping to any level to create 'content', and unnecessarily endangering one’s own or others' lives has become commonplace. These so-called 'creators' do not care in the slightest that children, the elderly, or men and women who still value decency and traditions are present around them.

​The question arises: how did their 'freedom' grant them the right to openly violate the sentiments, privacy, and public decency of others? Does freedom of expression mean inciting society toward dangerous stunts and unruly acts?

​The real meaning of 'Swatantrata' (Freedom) is Swa + Tantra, meaning living within one’s own rules or discipline—not behaving out of whims or unruliness. Ironically, today 'freedom' has been linked to 'nudity' and 'impoliteness'. In the word 'Swatantrata', the 'Swa' (Self) is very dominant, but the 'Tantra' (System/Rule) has completely vanished. Where there is no 'Tantra', i.e., discipline, freedom remains only a 'wild indulgence'. If your freedom hurts the dignity and safety of others, it is not a right, but a social crime.

​The Lakshman Rekha of Freedom: The Tale of the Cane and the Nose

Rules are the invisible boundaries that determine when one person's freedom clashes with another's. Where should an individual's freedom end? In this context, I am reminded of an interesting anecdote read years ago…

​A gentleman was walking on the road, swinging his cane in the air, engrossed in his own world. Suddenly, another passerby walking behind him felt inconvenienced by the cane. Fearing injury, the person behind politely nudged him—"Sir, your cane swinging might hurt others, please walk carefully."

​But the gentleman ahead grew arrogant and said—"I am a free and respected citizen of a free country. This is a public road, and I can swing my cane however I want. Who are you to stop me? This is a violation of my freedom!"

​The person behind tried hard to explain, but the other remained adamant about his negligence. Finally, when all efforts to reason failed, the person behind said very calmly—"Sir, you are undoubtedly a free citizen and have every right to swing your cane, but remember… the limit of your freedom ends exactly where the limit of my nose begins!"

​Conclusion: Ati Sarvatra Varjayet

In reality, this is the only practical definition of freedom. Freedom cannot be limitless. Our scholars have also said—"Ati Sarvatra Varjayet" (Excess of anything is to be avoided). If your freedom crosses the Lakshman Rekha (boundary) of others' sentiments, privacy, or dignity, it is not 'freedom', but your own self-centered 'unruliness'.

​Freedom can never be synonymous with 'incivility'; it lies in the spirit of 'Collective Well-being'. The moment one's freedom makes an unauthorized entry into another’s sphere of rights, it transforms from a 'right' into a 'crime'.

​Remember, even 'freedom' itself cannot remain 'free' forever—it too must live within the perimeter of discipline. You are certainly free, but you are not the only one who is free. My freedom is my 'right', but the belief that only my freedom is important is my 'stubbornness'. Freedom from what? How? And how much? The answer to these questions is only one—freedom cannot be limitless; it must pause at the intersection of social responsibility.

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["By Which Label Are You Identified?" — This is not just an article, but a mirror in which we are not meant to see someone else, but our own selves.👀

🌷​Do take some time to read it, and try to find the answer to the question asked at the end—perhaps you might find something that has been lost... And don't forget to subscribe to the blog to receive updates via email📬... 😊]

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​✍️Pen by ‘Nishabd’

🖌️ Image created with the assistance of Gemini & Nano Banana...💐