Boundaries vital for freedom of expression, says Kunnathur MLA Ullas Kovoor

Placing shackles on just and fair freedom of expression will inevitably allow unrighteousness to run rampant through society, said Kunnathur MLA Ullas Kovoor. He said that the true sweetness of liberty can only be experienced when diverse ideological streams are embraced with mutual tolerance. He was inaugurating Samanwayam 2026, a seven-day series of seminars jointly hosted by Kottarakara Ashraya and the Anatharillatha Bharatham State committee on the Kalayapuram Ashraya campus in Kollam on Sunday.

However, he said the fundamental freedom of expression guaranteed by the Constitution must never be mistaken for a license to endanger the lives and livelihoods of others. While noting that the modern era effectively harnesses the boundless potential of social media to spread goodness, he voiced profound concern that a handful of malicious elements continue to undermine public peace. Consequently, he urged that creative and expressive pursuits remain respectful of proper boundaries for the greater good of the community.

The inaugural session was presided over by Ashraya State committee member D. Ramanikutty, with Pranav Manikantan delivering a keynote address on the theme Freedom of Expression in Contemporary Society. Kulakkada grama panchayat president Priya P., S. Suresh Babu, Asha Jose, C.B. Vijayakumar, Kalayapuram Jose, Kudavattoor Viswan, and V.B. Nandakumar also spoke on the occasion.