RBI Governor Raghuram Rajan, on Saturday, encouraged the students of the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, to question authority, promote tolerance and mutual respect, and said the only way to dismiss any view was by providing concrete evidence. Rajan was addressing a convocation ceremony at IIT, and in a measured speech questioned “those who imposed a particular ideology because of their power”.

While speaking largely about innovation in business and economic growth, Rajan stressed on the importance of alternative viewpoints and the need to protect “the right to behave differently as long as it does not hurt others seriously”. He also said that bans should only be imposed on things that cause damage, while ideas that push debates forward should be encouraged.

Rajan’s words come at a time when scores of scholars, scientists, writers and other public intellectuals are decrying the violent curbs on dissent and communal tensions in the country.