The Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) administration has reportedly cancelled the booking of an auditorium initially designated for a discussion on the book “Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power,” authored by former student leader Umar Khalid. The event, organized by the JNU Students’ Union (JNUSU) to coincide with the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, was scheduled to take place on Monday.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the JNUSU announced on Sunday that the venue for the book discussion had been changed. The auditorium at the School of Social Sciences (SSS-I), which was slated to host the event at 3 p.m. on Monday, is no longer available. The students’ union stated that no specific reason was provided by the administration for the cancellation of the original venue.
The JNUSU confirmed that the book discussion itself is still scheduled to proceed, with an alternative venue to be announced by the union at a later date. The book, “Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power,” delves into the historical narratives of Adivasi communities and their engagement with power structures. The event was organized to foster dialogue and understanding around these critical themes.
Speakers slated to participate in the discussion included Professor Prabhu Mahapatra, Professor Uma Chakravarti, writer and journalist Shuddhabrata Sengupta, social activist Harsh Mander, and Banojyotsna Lahiri. Their participation underscores the academic and activist interest in the topics covered by Umar Khalid’s book.
Umar Khalid, the author of the book, is an activist and a former student leader at JNU. He has been in judicial custody since September 2020, facing charges under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). These charges are in connection with the conspiracy case related to the 2020 northeast Delhi riots. His trial is yet to commence.
The 2020 northeast Delhi riots, which saw widespread violence, erupted amidst protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and the proposed National Register of Citizens (NRC). The communal disturbances resulted in the deaths of 53 people and left over 700 individuals injured, highlighting the intense social and political climate of the period. The book discussion’s focus on “Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power” has drawn attention in the context of ongoing discussions about historical narratives, social justice, and political power in India.
The cancellation of the auditorium booking by the university administration has led to discussions among students and faculty regarding academic freedom and the space for critical discourse within educational institutions. The JNUSU has previously voiced concerns about administrative hurdles faced by student-led events, particularly those addressing socio-political themes.
The book “Fractured Communities” examines the complex relationship between Adivasi communities, their histories, and the broader political landscape. It seeks to highlight the perspectives and experiences of indigenous populations, often marginalized in mainstream historical accounts. The planned discussion aimed to bring these perspectives to the forefront of academic and public consciousness.
This incident at JNU, a prominent institution known for its vibrant intellectual environment and history of student activism, raises questions about the facilitation of such discussions. The students’ union’s commitment to holding the event, albeit at a different location, indicates a determination to ensure the dialogue continues. The university’s decision, however, has spurred debate about the boundaries of free expression and the administrative policies governing academic events.
The broader context of Umar Khalid’s ongoing legal proceedings and the sensitivities surrounding the 2020 Delhi riots casts a shadow over events related to him. Nevertheless, the JNUSU’s insistence on proceeding with the book discussion signals a broader intent to engage with critical academic and social issues, irrespective of the challenges.
The Chenab Times News Desk