Bhaona picture by Diganta Talukdar
Guwahati: Many media bodies including Gauhati Press Club (GPC) condemned state minister Ashok Singhal for his ‘irresponsible views’ on the traditional performing art form Bhaona, and now they remain silent after Singhal out-rightly refuted the accusation.
The controversy erupted following the social media post by a television journalist, who claimed that Assam Health and Family Welfare Minister disrespected a delegation from GPC, who went to invite Singhal for a forthcoming Bhaona performance in the city. During interactions, the minister allegedly questioned the necessity of a press club to organise a Bhaona, which is not secular in nature.
Soon the issue went viral as many individuals, outfits, media outlets, opposition political leaders and their sympathisers started making a hue and cry demanding an apology from the minister. Some even termed him as a ‘non-Assamese’ who has no idea about the religious performing art form (Ankiya Bhaona), developed by the sixteenth century Vaishnavite saint, scholar and philosopher Srimanta Sankardev and his prime disciple Madhavdev to enact plays primarily on mythological characters.
The excitement lasted for a short period as Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma commented that he did not believe his cabinet colleague made such an “immature comment”. It was followed by a formal clarification from Singhal denying the allegation that he made derogatory remarks regarding Bhaona. In a social media post, Singhal stated that it was completely false and fabricated. Acknowledging that a group of scribes visited him to invite him to the cultural programme, Singhal, however, expressed his annoyance that a fabricated story was generated and made public by a particular scribe.
“We are devoted followers of Mahapurush Srimanta Sankardev and always embracing Gurujona’s creations with deep reverence. Needless to mention that, Sankardev’s immense contributions and creations continue enriching the great Assamese society,” said Singhal, adding that the journalist involved with the episode should tender an apology to the people of Assam. Otherwise, he would be compelled to take legal actions, concluded the minister.
Expressing annoyance over the development, where the State minister allegedly made unwanted comments on Bhaona and later his clarification denying it with a strong message for suing the propagator, Press Club of Assam (PCA) today urged the journalist concerned to clarify his stand.
Many social media users have questioned the GPC for inviting Singhal, as he is not the cultural minister. “Was it not done with the sole aim to get some hefty donations from the minister (which somehow did not materialise !), otherwise why a minister would make derogatory comments just to receive an invitation letter for any event?” questioned a senior journalist while speaking publicly during his live presentations. The acclaimed television scribe even asked the GPC to apologise to resolve the matter soon.
“As the issue has seemingly gone out of proportion, the GPC should come out with a clarification so that the issue comes to an end. Otherwise, it will only help the anti-media elements in the society to launch another series of attacks on the journalist community,” said Press Club of Assam (PCA) president Kailash Sarma, working president Nava Thakuria and general secretary Hiren Ch Kalita in a press release. They also wished a success for the Bhaona titled Gandharir Abhishap, hosted by GPC in association with NEZCC, which is scheduled for March 15, 2025, at Shilpagram premises.
– global bihari bureau
