<span style="color: #222222;">Debates and discussions are the soul of good governance and free ideas must flow for social harmony, said Vice President, Jagdeep Dhankhar while inaugurating the third edition of the Lok Manthan programme today in Guwahati. Addressing a  gathering, Mr. Dhankhar said that intolerance of the other's point of view is very frequent in present times. Freedom of expression is non-negotiable and greater responsibility rests with the members of civil society to protect the views of the marginalised.<br />''<br />''The Vice President said that such types of programs are important as it is celebrating the culture and ethos of our country. It is highlighting the North Eastern states and facilitates a dialogue that will bring out our traditional knowledge and heritage for the other parts of India.  He also said that this will provide the opportunity for public discourse. Assam Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma also spoke on the occasion.<br />''<br />''The theme of this year's biennale is Lokparampara (Lok traditions) – and how lok traditions have kept our cultural consciousness intact and strengthened our feeling of National Selfhood. Arif Muhammad Khan, Governor of Kerala, will be the Chief Guest at the concluding session on September 24. Lokmanthan is an august occasion where artists, intellectuals, and academicians are drawn from different parts of the country converge and brainstorm on the questions that haunt the society. Besides, the three-day event will have discussions, seminars, cultural events and exhibitions which showcase the rich diversity of the nation.</span><br />