Short Description:
Uttarakhand’s book fair, set for Feb 15-16, was canceled amid allegations of pressure from right-wing groups, stirring debate over freedom of expression and political influence in educational settings.
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3 minutes and 45 seconds
Main Article:
In a significant turn of events, HNB Garhwal University in Uttarakhand has canceled the much-anticipated book fair, ‘Kitab Kauthik,’ which was scheduled for February 15-16. This decision has sparked outrage among the organizers and supporters, who claim that the cancellation results from undue pressure from right-wing groups, specifically the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP). The organizers, the Creative Uttarakhand group, have maintained that the fair is a vital platform for promoting literature and ideas among students and young readers.
Initially slated for January at Govt Girls’ Inter College, the book fair was postponed to February due to unspecified reasons from the school’s management. Hem Pant, the fair’s coordinator, stated that the university had initially granted permission to host the event on campus, which was later rescinded allegedly due to lobbying by members of the students’ union and ABVP. They reportedly claimed that books about influential figures like Gandhi and Nehru were "not fit to be sold," raising concerns about ideological censorship.
Despite the university administration’s assertion that the cancellation was based on academic scheduling concerns—specifically, that the event may interfere with ongoing exams—critics remain skeptical. Student representatives from ABVP posited that their concerns didn’t stem from the nature of the books but rather from logistical issues, citing that additional cultural programs planned by the organizers were inappropriate during exam periods. This clash between academic schedules and cultural events reflects a larger, ongoing debate about academic freedom in the face of political pressures.
Efforts to relocate the fair to Ramlila Ground were similarly thwarted, as another event scheduled by the RSS occupied the space on the same dates, further complicating the situation. Facing repeated obstacles, Pant expressed frustration, noting that the book fair aims to provide affordable literature to underserved areas and has received support from local political figures, including Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. The cancellation highlights a concerning trend in India regarding the influence of political groups on educational and cultural initiatives, raising alarms about freedom of expression and the availability of diverse viewpoints in academic settings.
The incident stands as a reminder of the challenges faced by cultural and educational organizations when navigating the politically charged environment in which they operate, underscoring the vital need for academic institutions to protect the right to free speech and access to diverse literature.
Short Summary:
The cancellation of HNB Garhwal University’s book fair due to alleged pressure from right-wing groups has ignited discussions on freedom of expression in educational contexts. This incident illustrates the growing influence of political factions in cultural events and the essential need for safeguarding academic independence.
