NEW DELHI, June 14 -- Our ancient scriptures elevated Satya or truthfulness above every other value not just in speech but in action. There was a time when facts and the truth were at the heart of social interaction and pivotal in shaping public opinion. Despite our personal transgressions, we admired and respected those who walked the path of righteousness. The Mahatma actually weaponised the moral force of truth to vanquish the British empire. Nobody sneered with disdain when Patrick Moynihan voiced this straightforward precept; "You're entitled to your own opinion but you are not entitled to your own facts."
We have come a long way since then. In our dystopian post-truth world, speaking the truth is no longer a virtue but stands diminis...