To subscribe to a view is to lend support to it, however controversial it may be to others. This ensures that the point of view finds supporters, who may even go to the extreme length of expressing their solidarity with it, thus giving rise to a conflict of interest.

A view is held high because it is personal and occupies a unique place for the person espousing it. It is couched in strong and forceful language and possesses a flavour all its own. Subscribing to it means coming out in favour of it with or without resorting to any unsavoury means. Thus a view is held dear with regard to its power of evoking an undercurrent of strong feelings.

Trying to bear a point of view can be a daunting task and a challenge to would-be supporters. But the pay-off is evident in the flaunting of authority and going to the absolute limit. This makes it seem as a protest against what is in order and in forming of a judgment — that is, clarifying a stand. Coming as this does in the wake of opposition, it avails of support amongst the rank and file and snowballs into a movement without giving due thought to all its consequences. When this happens, there is no going back. Although results can come about even if these are not solicited in the first place, there is much to be said about giving one’s support in the face of strong opposition. This ensures that at least a segment of society is in favour of one’s view. And this has a way of affirming itself and so tends to be placated. Even when there is no justifying such a stance, others may take the cue and make their presence felt in due course.

Perhaps given due time, a volatile view will simmer down. But this has to be given a chance not to cause ripples and send aftershocks to the establishment. Coming as it does in the wake of emotions pitched to a feverish high, nothing will hold it back from rallying to the call for change.

This will motivate like-minded individuals to stick to their agenda of action and reforms. Any response in this regard has to be accepted as an instigation to bring about a change in guard in the corridors of officialdom. But it is only possible to subscribe to a view when it is timely, relevant and does not renege on itself.