Adversary or Enemy? The Language That Broke Democracy
Introduction
Welcome to Illuminating Education: Research, Awareness, and Meditation in the Classroom, a podcast series brought to you by Bharatversity in collaboration with Osho Fragrance. I’m your host, Dhwani Shah.
Today, we are profoundly honored to host a figure who seamlessly integrates deep academic rigor with transformative spiritual practice. Dr. Ravi Prakash Gupta, a distinguished Professor in the Department of Political Science with 25 years of teaching experience in Varanasi, brings a wealth of knowledge spanning Political Science, Journalism, and Yoga. His academic pursuits include significant research on the role of women in Panchayats.
What makes Dr. Gupta’s perspective unique is his lifelong dedication to meditation, profoundly influenced by the revolutionary ideas of Osho and his active participation in movements like the Pyramid Spiritual Society. As the Honorary Secretary of the Panch Parmeshwar Vidyapeeth and a leader in organisations focused on yoga and education, Dr. Gupta consistently bridges the gap between inner awareness and societal structure.
Joining us to discuss a crucial contemplation on the state of political discourse, please welcome Dr. Ravi Prakash Gupta as he delves into the powerful topic: “Adversary or Enemy? The Language That Broke Democracy.”
Topic Covered:
- How has the linguistic shift from “adversary” to “enemy” damaged democratic institutions?
- What rhetorical techniques signal the shift from respectful debate to personal attack in politics?
- What are the observable effects of this breakdown in political civility on voter engagement and citizen participation?
- How can the practice of inner awareness or meditation serve as an antidote to destructive political language?
- What historical event marks the most significant escalation of hostile political language, and what were the immediate consequences?
