Humans are unique creatures on earth with the gifted power to think, judge and analyse things. Democracy, autocracy are self-created systems of society that rule over human society. From the very beginning, humans have been lovers of freedom. They desire to have the freedom to think and to express. Nobody likes to be tamed or to be imposed on with any thoughts and feelings. And not everybody’s thought matches the other’s. Therefore, it is inherent to have different opinions and ideas. Nevertheless, differences in opinions and thoughts are what that has turned the world into this advanced era of human life. Therefore, I personally respect people with ideas and views different to mine. However, it should be different but not bizarre in a way that affects my self-respect or is morally incorrect. If, in case, the ideas of the other person tends to be in complete contrast to my thoughts, then the first thing I would do is to allow the individual to make his/her opinions clear to me. This is because sometimes disagreement occurs due to unclear views and misunderstandings. If the idea still seems to be obscure, I would explore the motive behind the person’s idea. If the idea seems to have a good motive, I will always consider agreeing with it, but if the motive is bad behind the idea, I would prefer to convince the person with right ideas. While regarding work, no one should be judgemental about anybody’s work or profession. Some might work to earn bread for a day, while some might work for luxuries. It’s an individual choice. Perhaps if anybody questions my profession or work, I would prefer to talk with the person and discuss to change his/her perspectives. After all, individual’s perception of things and situation is what influences individual’s thoughts, ideas, and opinions.

— Deepa Shrestha

We all have different points of view and we perceive things differently. Everyone has an opinion(s), and everyone seems to be offended when they encounter anyone expressing anything that is challenging their strongly held beliefs. When I do get any opposing views or criticisms about anything that I do, I ask myself — who am I getting such views from? If it is from someone who I think is better than I am or who seems friendly, I will probably choose to analyse their comments and find the differences. After the reflection, I might choose to reconnect with them to discuss those differences or take it as advice. However, if the criticisms are from someone that seems to be envious or playing some kind of a game, I would probably just thank them for sharing their views with me and go no further in order to de-escalate the differences and apparent conflict.

— Sarika Shrestha

Time and again we hear something that we don’t or can’t simply agree on. If we go against what is being said, people come up with their right to opine. Yes, everyone has the right to put forth their opinion(s) and it is not necessary that every opinion should be similar or in our favour.

I really don’t mind if someone’s opinion is different from mine. At times even what I say could be taken as criticism by others. So it is like a cycle — my view is different from yours is different from mine. I think we shouldn’t take those by heart as it is how they think. If you think you are correct and go on with your argument, but if it is

affecting others in a negative way, you are obviously going to receive criticism. No matter what you do, people will brag so it is better to do your work, listen to others, and implement what they say if they are beneficial to you. Or just shut up, believe in yourself and don’t care much about what  they have to say — it is much better than listening to critics and breaking your heart.

— Saroma Awal, Bhaktapur

We can find opposing views anywhere as no one in this world is perfect. To win them over, we must take them as a friend and understand their beliefs, background, and position. This will put you in a stronger position to respond rather than attack. When opposition gives you lemon, make lemonade, that is take anything positively. We should ask our conscience,  which tells us what is right and wrong. In case of a critical situation, I would first imagine the consequences and then act. However, if it is not a difficult task, we just need to think a bit. If you think you are right, then prove it and influence others. Moreover, don’t ever give up.

— Nabin Joshi

Well, our democracy provides us the right to express our views and opinions upon anything that  we are not satisfied with. Nevertheless, we should not express our thoughts that may hinder or negatively affect others’ rights and comfort. I believe in expressing sensible views, opinions, and explanations depending upon the facts which not only satisfy ourselves but will also be acceptable to others. Democracy has provided equal rights to all people. Hence, we can equally enjoy our rights but that doesn’t mean that we can oppose others’ thoughts without any reason.

— Shyna Deula

I am an avid admirer of Voltaire’s immortal saying: “I may not agree with what you say, but I will die fighting for your right to say it.” In a democratic society, freedom of speech and expression should reign supreme. I will speak out my views in a civilised way and accord the same privilege to others. Now, when I come across any person who is found to be residing in the opposite pole of my belief on a particular issue, I prefer to do any of these things — maintain absolute silence, humbly point out that I do not subscribe to his/her views, if s/he then asks me to put forward my views, I will calmly convey my points without belittling his/her independent thoughts. In addition, if I get convinced by his/her arguments, I frankly admit it without nursing any ego. Moreover, if somebody criticises me in front of my face in a dignified way, I would welcome it. However, if

s/he continues to rant thoughts without caring to appreciate or listening to mine or tries to impose his/her belief on me, I would firmly ask him/her to simply stop the argument, as our mindset and thought process are not destined to find any common ground.

— Kajal Chatterjee, India

The number of opinion increases with the increment of the number of heads (humans). Liking and disliking others’ opinion is determined as per the interest and passion of humans. A football lover’s opinion differs from that of cricket lovers. I have the so-called habit of appreciating others’ opinion. I try to respect everyone’s ability and

potentiality. In case I dislike any opinion, I don’t react antagonistically. Rather I try to find out the opposition’s opinion. In addition, after analysing if I get a cynical result and a clash arises, I will still try to respect the other person’s opinion.

— Adish Karki, Tokha

Speaking out from heart, above all, is very important. On the other hand, I am also open to logical ideas and receive any positive and constructive criticism if that gives me insight to the other side of the picture. However, it is also not necessary to agree with everyone and everything on what people say. Landing a futile argument on trivial matters is a sheer waste of time and one cannot forcefully feed ideas. Everyone, after all, in a democratic society deserves a right to take a stand on one’s core values.

— Kahani Bhatta

It is certainly important to pay great attention to critical review or scholarly criticism of one’s work, be it any field. Because if one can openly and humbly accept the structurally organised positive and negative reviews, comments or scholastic criticism, it is only going to help an individual to do even better work next time or even revise and/or polish the current work for a better standard and quality. This is absolutely important and a necessity for reaching scholastic and creative excellence in one’s life. Democracy secures the rights of everyone and does not make some to be more equal than others and above law or criticism. However, what is happening in several blog sites and social networking platforms across the planet is just an exchange of unacceptable and unparliamentary dialogues and hateful comments targeted towards an individual, organisation, or community. Freedom of speech is being used in the worst derogatory and dehumanising form at present. I think it is important for people not to respond or instantly react to such shameless and coward individuals who are getting

unnecessary attention when they deserve none.

— Saikat Kumar Basu

In a democratic culture we have the right to share our views on various national or local subjects. Most of the time we feel our ideas and opinions are right but ignore the opinions of others. Many people like us want to share and claim that s/he is right. In such a situation, firstly, we should understand the other person’s view. In this situation, argument is surely going to happen. Being rude can aggravate the situation, therefore it is necessary to calmly put forward our views. If you think you are just wasting your time, then get back to your business. Respect others’ opinions even though you disagree with them. Remember that if everyone shares the same opinion, it would be boring. So at least you can be entertained by the creative views of different people.

— Tulip Gyawali,

Minbhawan, Kathmandu

While living in a democratic nation, there will always be airing of opposing views/opinions as per the rights of any individual. It can be taken as a major drawback as well as an advantage of democracy. We are not limited with a single dimensional agenda while in a democracy, however, this matter of fact can be outrageous if not handled properly. Therefore, being an informed and thoughtful individual, I would react politely and in a generous way to the opposed or critical opinions against my work. If I have some divergent beliefs on the work of someone else, I would also be expecting a polite manner at first instead of a direct violent reply on my critic. This opinion is somewhat similar to Gandhi’s principles which the current world is denying to accept.

— Sandesh Bajracharya, Bhinchhebahal

Expressing opposing view is person’s right in a country like ours. I respect everyone’s thoughts and giving feedback is always a more intellectual form of dealing with differing opinions. I do lots of open discussions with my colleagues during free time. Likewise, I would also love to listen to what they have to say. As a result, good listening brings people together and it solidifies the relationship and avoids misunderstanding. If one will listen to others carefully, his/her turn will come too, bringing consensus among them even in different opinions. One only standing by his/her core foolish idea is the main obstacle to an agreement. I can make every opposition party agree on my view which is my ability that I developed with experience, and intuition.

— Nabin Joshi,

Lokanthali, Bhaktapur

Everyone has the right to express their opinions/ideas without hurting others rights in democracy. It is normal to have opposing views to anything. But one should be conscious to put their words wisely. As for me, I am always ready to listen to other’s words, put forward my opinions, and also take suggestions from people who are against my views. I am always in the favour of truth because I believe that truth leads to victory. The quarrels and disputes are the ways to war; therefore I must console myself to express my concerns on any issue peacefully having the skills of communication as well as negotiation.

— Kamal Aryal, Pokhara

Perception differs from people to people and different perception guides to different opinions. Therefore, criticism helps us to assess the truth, creates possibilities to avoid wandering off into the wrong direction, and prevents us from committing mistakes. Therefore, I prefer freely expressing my opinion to others. In addition, as a smart thinker, I try to consider others’ values, beliefs, and cultures before reacting and criticising. The opinion differs according to people’s beliefs and values and makes their opinion different. For example, in a half glass of water, some people may perceive a glass as ‘half-full’ and some may perceive as ‘half-empty’, according to their beliefs and values.

— Anish Khanal,

Kathmandu, Jadibuti

I think we have to speak against those who are doing wrong. It is our duty to solve any misconception and dispute. If we don’t, then who will? I think it is better to convince people and make them realise their mistakes rather than taking any physical action. All crimes and violence arise from misunderstandings. What we can do is try to counsel people about the truth and raise the feelings of humanity to live in peace and harmony.

— Subhamitta

Every individual has his or her own opinion. In a democracy, each one of us has the right to express our thought, and opinion that could differ from person to person. Though we listen to everyone, we cannot always agree with his or her opinions. Sometimes we even debate and argue on others’ thought. I used to hardly agree with others’ thoughts spoken against my words but nowadays I have slightly changed. Whenever people oppose me or have different ideas than mine, I ask them to explain the causes and consequences. Furthermore, I compare my thoughts with theirs. Many times I have been convinced by their explanations but if I think they need to have some changes, I do not hesitate to put forward my advice. However, I only give advice to those who are patient and ready to

listen to others. Otherwise, I prefer to remain silent.

— Aaradhana Pokhrel, Rampur, Chitwan

Democracy has transformed our world. It has endowed us with great powers and abilities which we can use to transcend ourself and thrive towards the limitless. It sounds like a futuristic approach because, in the present, all we are doing is constantly bombarding each other with queries and making lives miserable. In fact, all the turmoil happening in the present world is due to this particular act of cynicism. Evil lies not in the hearts of men but in the social arrangement that men take for granted. Freedom to express our opinions is essential in the modern society and more importantly is the cohesion among views; because that is what ultimately shapes our world. Therefore, as informed, thinking and optimistic individual, I would certainly consider seeing from others’ point of view before reaching to a conclusion, and I expect the same thing from my counterparts.

— Devid Rawal