Violence, especially mob violence, in the name of protecting culture has become the norm of today. Even in the recent past, for example, India stood witness to many such instances like the attack on ‘Padmaavat’ movie by the fringe elements. The historical figure queen Padmavati may have existed or may not have (she might just have been a mythological creation symbolic of Rajput pride and honour). But violent protests, blood-curdling threats, attack on theatres, and destruction of public property have taken place in her name that has left many bewildered and shocked. This instance is one among the many that have occurred. This by no means suggests that one has no right to protest. Protest is the right of a democracy. Through protest, one can convey his / her point of view. In the case of anti-padmaavat protests, the contention of the fringe groups was that in the name of entertainment, creativity, and freedom of speech and expression, one cannot meddle with history and historical figures and portray them in ‘bad taste’, and hence such violence was inevitable. In a democracy, each one is entitled to his or her opinion and very rightly so. But, does protest mean hooliganism and vandalism? In the first place, why do people resort to such tactics? The reasons are two-fold: a) psychological and b) cultural.

Psychological because, they want to create and spread fear and a sense of despair and helplessness. Armed with sticks and weapons of sorts, they create fear in the minds of people. Cultural because, they want to promote values such as male chivalry and paternalism (to suggest that they are the guardians of women’s honour and pride, in this case, of queen Padmavati and thereby of other women). Also, through such violent protests, the fringe groups wanted to exhibit their valour and strength, symbolic of the Rajputs. Whatever may be the case; such forms of protests are highly unacceptable in a democracy where people have the right to choose what is good for them. Imposing bans by no means will do any good. The public will watch it anyway! Violent protests are not the solution for any problem as it would sometimes get overboard and disrupt the peace of a country and cause inconvenience to its pubic. The solution lies in dialogue with the concerned party or in a peaceful protest, and as in today’s context, turn to the social media to voice out opinions and engage the citizens in the discussions.