It's so easy to take for granted the freedoms we have here and the fact that even tho our govt does some thing inappropriate, we certainly don't have it that bad. This is simply sad that they have been stripped of their voice. I hope that this ends for them. I would so sign a pettition to help, but I don't know that it would be taken seriously as anyone can submit several names on one pettition... this has always made me wonder if online pettitions are truly effective. But if it could be done successfully, I say go for it!

Oh yeah, and I explained the names on my blog for ya!

Mel: You're so right. Not only do we take them for granted, but we feel really comfortable criticizing what we have...which is as it should be. You're probably right about the petition. It was just the first thing that came to mind when I read this. I feel so helpless.

Evydense, Please come join the group, it is not only for Indians but also for people like you. It's BloggersCollective at Google Groups. I've also posted your blog post on the wiki at http://censorship.wikia.com/wiki/Protests_By_Bloggers_in_India#E

There are quite a few countries around the world that do not have the freedom to blog.

Global Voices is a wonderful site that allows bloggers from such countries a free voice. (I have their button on my site and you can too)

Here is their web address
http://www.globalvoicesonline.org/

Below I am quoting from their site what they are about
"
Global Voices

seeks to amplify, curate and aggregate the global conversation online - with a focus on countries and communities outside the U.S. and Western Europe. We are committed to developing tools, institutions and relationships that will help all voices everywhere to be heard."

Do check out the site and also let your friends from India know about them,

with best wishes, The Artist

Thank you very much for your support. I am glad to inform you all that the Indian govt. seems to have remove the ban, atleast I think so as I can now access blogspot blogs. It could have been a great embarasment for India after all the praises it bestowed upon itself for being a great and vibrant democracy unlike Pakistan. I am happy that better sense seems to have prevailed.
But I am not totally sure whether they will reimpose the ban. I guess I have to wait and watch.
Evydense, I can't thank you enough for spreading the message so fast. I am really proud to be part of this blogging world.
I'll do some research and post the reasons and details of what really happened.

I provided a copy of your post to Shiv Reddy, who is from India. He left me the following comment:

"gary, the indian government will restore access to blogs and other 'objectionable' meterial within 48 hours. i was ready to get all roiled up about that when i read a bbc article that listed the websites being blocked, and softened up a bit when i saw hinduunity.org on the list. that website is just nasty! but then again, to quote what has often been misattributed to voltaire, 'i may not agree with what you have to say, but i will defend to the death your right to say it'.

i think the government heard, and they are acting."

July 19, 2006 7:47 PM

Publia and The Artist: Thank you for coming by to visit, and thank you for the information. I'll check it all out---I appreciate it.

Imphaldiary: I appreciate the update. Things like that make me feel utterly helpless, but I'm so pleased for your and your fellow contrymen that your government reacted as quickly as it did. I hope that's a true indication of the "power of the people" at work in a democracy. I'd like to think so anyway.

Gary: The report I read at first had given no indication that it was intending to target certain individuals and groups. It's beginning to sound now like a policy that went wrong because the net was thrown too wide. Sort of like tapping citizens phones without appropriate checks and balances.