Shimla, Oct. 8 -- Himachal Pradesh governor Shiv Pratap Shukla on Tuesday said that the declining standards of public discourse among certain representatives and sections of society were disappointing. He was addressing a symposium on, "Hate Speech and Electoral Politics in India" organised by the faculty of law, University of Delhi, on Tuesday, where he was the chief guest. Shukla emphasised the need to maintain "Maryada" (decorum) in speech and urged citizens not to support those who indulge in hateful or divisive rhetoric. "Violence is not confined to physical acts alone; hurtful and hateful speech is also a form of violence. We must completely reject it in the interest of our country and society," he said. The governor also urged the teaching community to sensitise the younger generation on the responsible use of language, noting that teachers have a profound influence on young minds. He stressed the importance of exercising the right to freedom of expression with responsibility, stating that words hold sanctity and power. htc...