Northeast Festival—A Few Thoughts.

Recently, the repeated mention of the "Northeast Festival" in the news reminded me of events from a decade ago. The years when Northeast youths in Delhi were frequently out in the streets, calling out against racism, discrimination, assault, abuse, and even murder and rape by mainland Indians.

Northeast people were attacked on the streets, in the workplace, and even inside their rented accommodations.

It was during the 2000s. There were frequent reports of attacks on Northeast people in Delhi and a few other cities. Delhi is the worst. Most of the victims and survivors were young women and men. They were working in private sectors and were living to support themselves and their siblings.

Several discussions, meetings, and interactions were held with Northeast representatives and key officials in the government, media, and NGOs. On what to do about this frequent crime against the northeast population in the city of Delhi (to be specific).

There were several suggestions and recommendations by intellectuals, government officials, and thinkers, even the police. Some of the main key issues observed were that mainland India does not know much about the northeast and its people. This was considered as one of the key reasons for the racial attacks or discriminations.

Considering this, observers and thinkers in both the government, the media, and NE representatives (like student leaders and CSOs) came to agree to hold festivals where Northeast cultural traditions, food, etc., could be showcased in mainland India. There were many other suggestions too, like a separate police cell, etc., among many.

Thus the “Northeast Festival” was born. The festival was held in Delhi with VIPs and celebrities. Who’s who from the Northeast states were invited to Delhi. Entrepreneurs were invited to showcase their products, etc. The festival became an annual affair. And it was quite popular, then. I am not sure whether it is still popular in Delhi now. 

It did bring mainland Indians to the festival. It also showcased culture, food, etc. The festival did “showcase” fashion and food. VIPs came and went; celebrities from the Northeast were on stage.

Eventually the festival went international, with the Northeast Festival being held in various foreign countries. The latest being Singapore.

I am not sure if the NE festival in Delhi or other Indian metro cities brought some solution or put a stop to the racial attacks or violence against NE people. The violence against the NE people was not so frequent as it was in the early 2000s now, no doubt about it. But there is information on cases and issues every now and then. These are not necessarily reported.

More or less this NE festival has become more of a “show” and business—with entrepreneurs selling products. The market now is “foreign” and not only mainland India. Once I wrote on my FB wall, and I got a response that the NE festival in a foreign country is a good platform for NE. And one must promote such events.

Indeed, such festivals help us “showcase” ourselves to the “outside” world. It does promote culture and create a platform for some or many.

But there is also a need to reflect on how these festivals really impact the Northeast states and their people. Do we really need to “showcase” ourselves in foreign countries? They may buy our products or eat our food or invest in some venture. 

But why do we need to fly out of the country to create a platform or showcase our culture? Whatever that culture may be! 

The recent weeks have made me think, do we really need Northeast festivals?. If so, why not have the event in our own states? When NE is so divided along various lines and in continual conflict, why not a festival to bring the NE people together?. 

The suggestions for a northeast festival in Delhi or other Indian cities may have a reason, and it is a well-thought-out initiative. But by a decade now, the festivals do not seem to have any significance or relevance anymore. It appears to be just a “show” and platform for elites and socialites.

( NOTE : some may say this is a pessimistic opinion or thought. I am not invited to these NE festivals, but I did attend in the earlier years, without an invite. This is a personal thought and does not reflect or point fingers at any person.) 

September 30, 2025 

Is There More To It Than Meets The Eye In Priyanka’s Un-Finished Memoir?

 Priyanka, though an ‘outsider’ in Bollywood- she is one of the lucky few with some privilege – she has her ‘Miss World’ title to bank on and parents to fall back on.

There are two conflicting opinions on Priyanka Chopra- former Miss World and Actor adding the title “Jonas” to her name- and thus becoming Priyanka Chopra Jonas – after her big fat Indian wedding. 

One –  it is her choice; Two – as one of the role model for/of women, why did she do that?  Why should she take/ add her husband’s title to her name?

Priyanka Chopra is a given name – yeah, she did not choose it (did she?).  But to add Jonas is her choice – a decision made by her (didn’t she?).

I happen to be among the first group. My first re-action on the question – what do you say about Priyanka adding the ‘Jonas’ title, was – “it’s her choice”. She is an adult with her own mind, educated, well exposed to the outside world, opinionated, a former beauty queen and one of the most popular face in the world.

Priyanka is a woman of privilege and power

My observation is that, in Priyanka’s case, unlike majority of, say for instance Indian women, who do not have a ‘choice” – who were assumed or automatically given their husband’s title after marriage (yes, without asking them!) – Priyanka’s case is not so.

Classic case – you go to the hospital – they ask your name – obviously your marital status – the doctor without a blink writes your name (patient’s name) with the husband’s title, right? Or you go to any institutions or any register counter – a woman’s name and title (surname or second name) always goes with the husband’s – unless you tell them or give in writing that “this is my name”- saying that you did not take/ add his title.

Chopra – I believe-  is someone who knows what she is doing- surely she is not – subtlety or unknowingly – forced or coerced to add “Jonas” in her title.

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An intelligent woman who understands the reality of her profession

Chopra is one of my favorite actor. Especially after watching her in Fashion (a movie that I saw more than once). Since then somehow I have been following her movies, and of late her talks, discussion and chat shows. I have found her very talented and versatile. Chopra is smart and intelligent. She is ambitious and doesn’t mind saying that. I find her courageous and outspoken – but knows where to draw the line.

On asked if she is irritated by the paparazzi in one of her interviews she said “aren’t we in this business to be photograph?” That was a good one. She is realistic.

All the more that her philanthropy and talk of women empowerment, girl child, had really touched million hearts and she is worth listening.

Priyanka’s memoir Unfinished

Her memoir- Unfinished is just as entertaining as her. A story of her evolution from a ‘middle class’ (a term she often used) to a global phenomenon. The memoir is quite revealing – in that she tells about her fears- her inhibitions- of making peace with her inner self.

In short Priyanka is a quick learner and how she moves on in her life is remarkable.

Though she did not write much about the ‘inside’ of Bollywood – or the Hindi film industry as she puts it, her recollection of her beginner days were creepy and un-friendly. She was advised to get a boob job, fix her jaw, and a little more cushioning on the butt. Of course, Priyanka did not follow the unsolicited advice, obviously ! Priyanka – a new comer –step out of a project that requires her to “show her chaddiyan” in a song sequence. Priyanka mentioned that on being removed from a role just because an actor wants his girlfriend to be cast is such a humiliating experience. And one can imagine what Priyanka or other crew would feel, waiting for the male lead –who comes in at his own sweet time for shooting. This are few of the things she mentions; of course there would be many incidents and events of experience. But these are enough as evidence of what women actors go through in the film industry in India. Moreover, her mention of the ‘un-equal wage’ in the film industry is worth a note.

All this, comparatively are just a tip of the ice berg, as many have also stated.

Priyanka, though an ‘outsider’ in Bollywood- she is one of the lucky few. She has her ‘Miss World’ title to bank on and parents to fall back on. It is a known fact that many female actors could not survive in the industry.

Priyanka is a survivor.

Reading her memoir, it can be said that Priyanka strongly holds on to her ‘Indian-ness’.  She stated that she is a product of “tradition and modern India”. She seems to jealously guard this.

But is there more to it than meets the eye from the book?

It is said that celebrity memoirs are not the ‘tell-all’ story. Indeed, Priyanka’s story is not ‘finished’. I believe there is still some unfished story about the ‘Chopra-Jonas’ product. How or why she decided to take the title. Maybe a sequence of the memoir – part 2? I believe fans are eager to know.

JULY 10, 2021

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