Read on Twitter
I saw on twitter that an edited video of the panel on Politics in Fiction with @meenakandasamy and Githa Hariharan at the @HouseOfBelongg Lit Fest was uploaded on YouTube. As the moderator of this session, I think this censoring was uncalled for. Thread
From @HouseOfBelongg ‘s reply to Kandasamy’s tweets , I understand the unedited video will be up soon. I do find it difficult to believe that this was unintentional because all other videos of the festival fall in the 1 hour 30 min time framework.
Firstly, yes there was a difference in opinion during the panel. There was a loud period in the session. Kandasamy felt wronged and expressed her dislike towards Hariharan’s statement. But why should this be censored when it happened in front of all the attendees on live stream?
Secondly, I think what every panel needs to acknowledge is that there is always a possibility of disagreement, outrage, unpleasantness. Panels are discussions. Discussions needn’t be peaceful or in agreement. That’s the whole point of bringing together diff eminent personalities
We should acknowledge that women can talk louder to be heard. They can express displeasure and if this was done on a lit fest platform, it really should’nt be edited by the organizers which is like twisting the narrative.
As a moderator, literally a newbie, between two esteemed writers, this was no pleasant place to be in because for a moment I didn’t know what to do. But it is important that disagreements should be voiced.
if one panel member isn’t comfortable with another’s way of speaking, it should be conveyed. And heard. Both this happened in the panel and the rest of the session led to many deep conversations.
As the moderator I was amazed by how engaging and professional both authors were in a discussion that didn’t begin smoothly. After opinions were voiced, both Kandasamy and Hariharan continued the panel discussion and lent valuable thoughts.
They also engaged with one another throughout the session. This is such a great example of how to move forward (atleast in a small way) and a big lesson to other writers, political writers and new writers in navigating uncomfortable spaces.
I found the panel discussion enlightening. As did many who attended. I remember both the authors giving wonderful concluding remarks at the end of the session as well.
Lastly this goes against @HouseOfBelongg ‘s motto as seen on the site where they are a ‘community platform that brings discrimination free services. Banner says ‘Diversity + Inclusion’. I hope an unedited video will be up soon and they address the issue with Kandasamy as well
