Why there are no public intellectuals in India
Why there are no public intellectuals in India
By Dr. R. Krishnaswamy
This essay explores the disappearance of independent public intellectuals in India and its consequences for democratic life. It argues that a healthy democracy depends on thinkers who critically observe politics without party allegiance or fear of reprisal. The article highlights the erosion of academic autonomy, constraints on journalism, and the growing hostility toward dissenting voices.
By examining the collapse of institutional safeguards for free thought, the piece identifies a widening gap between political power and ethical critique. Its purpose is to encourage reflection on the urgent need to restore spaces for independent reasoning, public debate, and intellectual courage in contemporary India.