JNU cancels discussion on activist Umar Khalid’s book

{
"headline": "JNU Cancels Umar Khalid's Book Discussion Amid Controversy",
"content": "<p>Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has announced the cancellation of a scheduled event intended to discuss the book 'Fractured Communities: Adivasi Histories and the Politics of Power' authored by activist Umar Khalid. The event was set to take place on August 10 in recognition of the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples. The decision has elicited a range of responses from students and faculty alike, reflecting the polarized views surrounding Khalid and his work.</p> <p>The cancellation follows a declaration by the university's School of Social Sciences, which previously granted permission for the gathering. The university cited a "non-disclosure of the full facts about the program" as the reason for the abrupt decision. This has raised questions about the autonomy of academic institutions in hosting discussions that may be politically sensitive or controversial.</p> <p>Khalid, who has been incarcerated on charges related to anti-CAA protests, draws upon his own doctoral research in his book. His thesis, which he submitted to JNU’s Centre for Historical Studies in July 2018, delves into the historical narratives of adivasis in the Singhbhum district of Jharkhand. Published in June this year, the book has sparked considerable interest and debate within academic and activist circles.</p> <p>Scheduled speakers for the now-canceled discussion included notable academics and activists such as Professors Prabhu Mahapatra and Uma Chakravarti, renowned artist Shuddhabrata Sengupta, and social activist Harsh Mander. The event's cancellation is seen by some as a reflection of the larger tensions between academia and government scrutiny, particularly regarding discussions that may challenge prevailing narratives.</p> <p>In its statement, JNU emphasized its commitment to being a "democratic and decentralized institution." The Dean of the School of Social Sciences, who initially approved the event's organization, has since taken steps to cancel it, reiterating the importance of transparency in such academic gatherings. As the university navigates this complex scenario, it remains to be seen how Khalid's work will continue to influence discourse on indigenous rights and historical narratives in India.</p>",
"seo_description": "JNU cancels Umar Khalid's book discussion citing non-disclosure, stirring debates on academic freedom and political sensitivity.",
"tags": ["JNU", "Umar Khalid", "Adivasi", "Book Discussion", "India News"]
}

Source: scroll.in