Tribals Sidelined’ appears to be a rather generalised observation. It is not a
fact that Tarun Gogoi-led government is handled by Brahmins and Muslims as
there is a sizeable number of tribals in the Cabinet. If some of the Ministers
as mentioned are more outstanding than their colleagues, thanks for their
superior leadership and resourcefulness. It is a fact of life that no two
persons have the same versatility. Then again the Cabinet system of government
is a shared responsibility.
Many years ago once I made a casual remark in front of an MP in Delhi that
Government had not done much for the tribal people of Assam. I did not know
that that particular MP happened to be the Chairman of a committee scheduled
with the responsibility of looking after the interest of the tribal people. I
humbled down before the stalwart in no time as facts and figures rolled off
from his mouth dwelling on the tremendous achievements in that particular
sphere. I promised then and there never to put questions to such public men
without some preparations. Then again one has to be specific.
The particular family is obviously in the business of film-making. I don’t
think the mention of their caste is relevant in this context. Governments do
give grants to deserving applicants who make films, documentary or whatever.
Producers of films are like authors of books who seek fame. They provide a
service of information, education and entertainment. The media cannot shut out
themselves from reasonable and informed criticism. Self-publicity ought not to
be so obvious.
True, talented tribal women without contacts and money are at a disadvantage.
It is also a fact that it is an advantage to be married into a politically
ambitious family. But the latter is a social issue.
Bhuban
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