Opinion | ‘Viksit Bharat’ Must Also Be A ‘Sanskarit Bharat’
Freedom of expression cannot be an excuse to promote moral erosion and cultural decadence
Our collective resolution for 2047 is to transform our nation into ‘Viksit Bharat’ (developed India). However, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi envisions a ‘Viksit Bharat’, he emphasises not just economic, scientific and technological ‘vikas’ i.e. advancements but also the ‘virasat’ that is the preservation of our rich cultural heritage. This heritage comprises values, morals, elevated ideals, and the unbroken socio-cultural continuum that has safeguarded India’s familial structure and social equilibrium despite centuries of invasions and colonial rule.
In essence, a truly ‘Viksit Bharat’ must also be a ‘Sanskarit Bharat’ (a Bharat with exalted moral values). A truly developed India will be one where prosperity and socio-cultural values progress hand in hand. Unfortunately, in the 21st century, Indian society—particularly our youth—is increasingly drifting towards a culture of moral decay and value erosion, a trend that rings alarm bells for our society. A glaring example of this decadence is the recent vulgar and disgraceful comment made on a YouTube show, India’s Got Latent, which effectively challenges the very foundation of the family system. If left unchecked, such value erosion and cultural decay could ultimately threaten the very existence of Indian society.
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This controversy centres around a deeply objectionable and disgraceful remark made by a social media influencer and podcaster Ranveer Allahbadia on India’s Got Latent, a comedy show. His remark—concerning the “intimate life of parents"—has sparked widespread outrage. Additionally, the crude and distasteful exchange between the show’s host, Samay Raina, and another participant, a woman, Apoorva Makija, crossed all boundaries of decency and ethical discourse. Although Ranveer later issued an apology, this cannot simply be brushed aside, as the concerns extend beyond morality to Indian culture, social order, and even constitutional propriety.
It is commendable that Ranveer’s comment has been met with widespread condemnation on social media platforms as well as mainstream media. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has warned, rightly, that strict measures will be taken if ethical boundaries have been crossed. Meanwhile, Union Minister for Women and Child Development Annapurna Devi has directed the National Commission for Women (NCW) to issue a notice and demand an explanation. Journalists, academicians, artists, and political figures have also voiced their outrage.
The All Indian Cine Workers Association (AICWA) has demanded strict action against the show and called for an outright ban on India’s Got Latent. Meanwhile, Maharashtra’s Cyber Crime Department has filed a FIR against Ranveer Allahbadia, Samay Raina, and other members of the show, while complaints have also been registered in Delhi, Assam and other parts of Bharat.
To quote renowned sociologist Émile Durkheim, this incident has shaken the nation’s ‘collective consciousness’, uniting people across political divides in condemnation. This controversy has ignited a crucial debate about the limits and responsibilities of online content as the issue is not just about cultural and moral concerns but also about safeguarding India’s social fabric.
Today, stand-up comedies, social media, and OTT platforms are increasingly resorting to obscenity and sensationalism to attract viewership and maximise revenues, crossing ethical and moral boundaries, often, in the process. Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, Facebook and YouTube are now overflowing with indecent and vulgar content, rapidly influencing and trapping the minds of the younger generation.
What is even more alarming is that most of this content is a blatant imitation of Western culture and media, which often disregards the sanctity of family values and Indian cultural-moral boundaries. Notably, the controversial remark that sparked outrage on India’s Got Latent was actually copied verbatim from a similar comment made on a foreign show, which Ranveer Allahbadia simply replicated.
It is well understood that Western societies function on a highly individualistic framework, often dismissing the traditional family values, moral boundaries and societal bonds that define Indian culture. In such societies, materialism and hedonism take precedence over familial and societal bonds. But do we want India to follow the same path?
While the nation at large has rightfully condemned Ranveer Allahbadia’s comment, it is unfortunate that certain so-called liberal, woke and Marxist intellectuals are attempting to downplay the severity of the incident. Under immense public pressure, although, they have reluctantly acknowledged that Ranveer’s remarks were “inappropriate or “not in good taste" but instead of outright condemnation or demanding accountability, they are hiding behind arguments of “dark humour" and “freedom of expression."
One cannot ignore the fact that for years, there has been a deliberate effort to normalise obscenity and moral degradation in the name of being ‘cool’ or modern. Teenagers and young adults are falling into this trap at an alarming rate. The disturbing reality is that social media influencers who promote vulgarity and offensive content now have millions of followers, yet they demonstrate no sense of responsibility.
The greater concern is not just the acceptance of such obscene remarks but the fact that they are often celebrated and cheered. This is leading to a fundamental erosion of respect for parents, the sacred bond between siblings, and the overall harmony of Indian families. The Indian family system, which has long been the cornerstone of our social stability and cultural strength, is now under attack—either intentionally or due to negligence. This is not just a cultural crisis but a direct threat to India’s social equilibrium.
Given that such content poses a direct threat to India’s social stability, the time has come for stricter monitoring and regulation of digital content. It is imperative to set clear ethical boundaries to ensure that online platforms do not cross the threshold of decency and morality.
For those who invoke “freedom of expression" to defend such content, it is essential to remind that the Indian Constitution itself imposes reasonable restrictions on free speech under Article 19(2) in the interest of ‘decency and morality’ apart from other grounds. These restrictions primarily apply to obscenity, immorality, and content that violates public decorum.
The Supreme Court of India, in the Ranjan Dwivedi v. Union of India (2017) case, emphasised that while freedom of expression is a fundamental right, it must be balanced with public decency and morality. It ruled that content that offends social decorum and moral values can be restricted. These restrictions apply to films, literature, art, and social media alike. In fact, the Supreme Court has consistently ruled that while freedom of speech is essential, it must not be misused to promote hate speech, defamation, obscenity, or threats to public order.
Thus, freedom of expression cannot be an excuse to promote moral erosion and cultural decadence. Preserving family dignity and social equilibrium is not only vital for India’s socio-cultural survival but also an essential foundation for building a truly ‘Viksit Bharat’.
Prof. Niranjan Kumar is the Chairperson of the Value Addition Course Committee and a Senior Professor of Hindi at Delhi University. He can be reached @NiranjanKIndia. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18’s views.
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