Discrimination Casts Shadow Over Assam Book Fair’s Silchar Edition: Journalists Confront Selective Invitations

The Assam Book Fair organised by the Publication Board of Assam which recognises itself as a Literary body, has two book fairs going on simultaneously – one in Silchar and another one at Nalbari. The Silchar edition organised a get-together of journalists earlier today and the selective omission sparked a debate.

The rift surfaced as journalists actively engaged in the field, representing a diverse set of recognised publications, found themselves omitted from the invitation list. This exclusionary act prompted the aggrieved journalists to confront the organisers, shedding light on the discriminatory nature of the selective invitations.

Under the subject line, “Invitation as a Guest of Journalists Meet, Assam Book Fair, Silchar,” the Publication Board extended invitations, a move that undeniably raised eyebrows among those excluded from this gathering. Senior journalists in attendance attempted to pacify the dissent, urging calm amidst the palpable discontent.

A vocal journalist, omitted from the guest list, drew attention to the stark contrast between political exclusions and those within the realm of a literary body. “When a political entity omits certain individuals or publications, it may be comprehended within a specific context. However, the normalization of discrimination by a literary institution is disheartening; it legitimizes bias,” they emphasized.

Each invitation was issued with the signature of Pramod Kalita, Secretary, Publication Board of Assam. When asked about the selective omission or the criteria for getting an invitation, Secretary Kalita told Barak Bulletin, “I have heard about some discontent in Silchar regarding the Journalist get-together today. Next year, we will ensure everyone gets the invitation.”

Sure, but what explains the omission or invitation this year, the Barak Bulletin correspondent reiterated? To this, Kalita cordially responded, “I am in Nalbari and my colleagues are there in Silchar. We did not mean to disappoint anyone and it was not in our intentions to extend selective invitations. The team on the ground has fetched a list of journalists from local sources and I will investigate who gave the list and who procured it to identify the reason behind this omission.”

Moreover, the revelation that the invitation list might have been procured from local sources or the Deputy Director of Information and Public Relations’ office further exacerbated the controversy. The DDIPRO distanced themselves from the affair, denying any involvement in the compilation of the guest list.

The stark reality remains: the act of extending selective invitations for an event associated with a platform of knowledge and unity, such as the Book Fair, perpetuates division and undermines the very essence of such gatherings. Discrimination, irrespective of its guise or setting, stands as a barrier to unity, progress, and enlightenment. Especially in a country were the Preamble promises, Fraternity!