By Lamphrangbor Nongspung
A freelance journalist from Assam, Snehankar Chakraborty along with his two friends-Santanu Moran and Rambabu Thakur are on mission to highlight and spread awareness on the plight of the journalist fraternity.
The trio recently was on a cycling expedition from Guwahati to Sohra as part of the mission to convey to the people about the lack of job and social security of journalists in the country. At this point of time, when the country mourns the injustice meted to renowned journalist, Gauri Lankesh, who was brutally shot dead in her home on September 5 2017, this journey undertaken by Chakraborty is a beacon of light and will hopefully go a long way.
The team representing ‘Let’s Pedal’ also wants to create awareness on issues arising out of climate change.
Chakraborty who originally hails from Biswanath Charali, Upper Assam had started this mission in 2019 as a lone cyclist. So far he has covered four states of the North East including Assam which is his home state, Meghalaya, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh. In Assam, he has covered 1000 km. He plans to visit other four States of the region as part of this mission.
“When I bought my new cycle I thought my passion for cycling would not serve any purpose if I just went on a ride. So I decided to set out on a mission for the cause of my fellow journalist,” he said.
He said that he understood the problems faced by the journalist since he himself was working in the field of media.
Chakraborty feels that journalists deserve proper pay packages and social security due to the uncertainty of the job.
The freelance journalist from Assam pointed out that as journalists they would always highlight the plight and problems faced by others.
“But when it comes to atrocities and problems of journalists no one would raise the voice for us,” he observed.
Chakraborty said that he understands the voice made by a single person does not make much of an impact.
“But as journalists, if we unitedly raise our voice then it makes a difference,” he said.
The freelance journalist from Assam said that he is also trying to motivate and encourage other fellow journalists to start speaking about their rights.
“If we remain silent then no one is going to listen to us,” he said.
Meanwhile, he mentioned that as journalists they never complain if they have to do extra hours of duties.
When asked how the response has been so far, he said that people are curious when they see them cycling on the high altitude and terrain.
The freelance journalist from Assam said that they manage to ask the people whether journalists are not part of the society.
“We asked whether the complaint and problem and grievances should be addressed or not. We also ask people if we don’t deserve basic job security,” Chakraborty said.
He said that it is during this conversation that they manage to speak about the problems which the journalists are facing.
“We are also getting good support from all journalist friends whom we have interacted with in all the four States which I have travelled to,” Chakraborty said.
Sharing an insight of what he has gone through, he said that his mother was detected with cancer in 2017 and it was during the same time when he lost his job. It was a challenging time for him. He said that his mother is still him and continues her battle with cancer.
“My mother would bless and motivate me when I go on my cycling mission every year. She would never stop. My mother would be alone when I am not there and taking care of herself,” the Assam freelance journalist concluded.
Whether its disseminating information of a community of rights as journalists or the safety, initiatives such as Chakraborty’s symbolises solidarity for the journalist fraternity. From cases such as that of Lankesh and the many others who have lost their lives reporting ‘forbidden’ stories by a circuit of mafias having strong links with those in authority that enjoy impunity. Protection of journalists, the media community and timely justice to those wronged is therefore crucial and of utmost importance as shown by Chakraborty.