Why public intellectuals matter in present-day India
This article explores the historical origins and modern necessity of public intellectuals in India. It argues that these individuals are essential for upholding social justice, human dignity, and reasoned discourse in contemporary society.
Why it matters
It highlights the role of critical thinking and intellectual engagement in maintaining a healthy democratic society.
The term ‘public intellectual’ has an interesting origin. As Romila Thapar informs us, it was used in connection with Alfred Dreyfus, a Jewish captain in the French army who was believed to have leaked secrets to the German army. Later, it was found that he had not done anything of the kind and was declared innocent. When he was facing charges of having leaked secrets, many artists, teachers, poets and writers came together in support of him.
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