LIVE | The Conclave 2025 Concludes on a High Note

The curtains rise on Day 2 of The Conclave 2025, hosted by Pratidin Media Network at The Ashok, New Delhi, with yet another day packed with ideas, debate, and dialogue that will keep Assam and the Northeast at the heart of the national conversation.

The morning begins with a hard-hitting media session — Operation Sindoor: The Media Narrative — where leading journalists Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty (The Wire), Sachin Gogoi (BBC), and Nitin A. Gokhale (BharatShakti Group) decode how one of India’s most debated military operations was covered and perceived.

From there, the spotlight turns to cinema, as actor Yashpal Sharma, theatre doyen Baharul Islam, and award-winning filmmaker Rima Das chart the struggles and triumphs of Assamese film. The energy continues to build with young voices presenting their vision of a progressive Assam, before a crucial discussion on the Six Communities’ demand for ST status adds weight to the afternoon.

The day wraps up with a political exclusive featuring BJP Assam President and MP Dilip Saikia, followed by a musical evening with Shankuraj Konwar & Team — ensuring Day 2 ends on a note as vibrant as it began.

Day 1 of The Conclave 2025, hosted by Pratidin Media Network at The Ashok, New Delhi, ended on a high note with a fiery address by Rajya Sabha MP (AAP) Sanjay Singh, capping off a day filled with intense discussions on security, development, economy, health, and politics.

Stay tuned for live updates, quotes, and key takeaways all day from Pratidin Conclave 2025.

Sep 15, 2025 10:42 IST
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Sep 15, 2025 16:23 IST
Dilip Saikia at Conclave 2025: Assam’s Growth, Peace & Political Outlook
Lok Sabha MP & Assam BJP President, Dilip Saikia addressed The Conclave 2025, praising Pratidin Time for giving Assam a national platform. Comparing BJP’s 10-year rule to Congress’s 56-year tenure, he highlighted BJP’s achievements, including the ₹20,000 crore BTR development package, 1.5 lakh youth employed, and major projects like the semiconductor initiative. Saikia emphasized peace, merit-based governance, and protection of all indigenous communities, while warning against decades of Congress’s appeasement politics. He also kept suspense on the future Chief Minister, affirming Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma’s current leadership.



Sep 15, 2025 15:42 IST
Dilip Saikia Takes the Stage at The Conclave 2025
Assam BJP State President Dilip Saikia joins the stage at The Conclave 2025 for a one-on-one conversation with Pratidin Time’s Editor-in-Chief, Nitumoni Saikia.
The session focuses on contemporary politics, the upcoming 2026 Assam Assembly elections, and key issues surrounding the BTR polls.



Sep 15, 2025 14:35 IST
Assam’s Youth Are United: Tridip Bhagawati
Tridib Bhagawati, Research Scholar at Gauhati University, emphasized the youth’s focus on practical issues: “While politics dominates discussions, Assamese youth are deeply concerned about the economy. Some people living in Assam are distracted by luxury and glamor and have lost touch with our culture, while those staying outside remain deeply connected. Regardless of government or community divisions, Assam’s youth are united in the pursuit of progress.”



Sep 15, 2025 14:34 IST
Assamese Abroad Serve as Cultural Ambassadors: Krishnali Pathak
Krishnali Pathak, President of the All Assamese Students’ Association, New Delhi, highlighted the sense of duty among Assamese living outside the state: “Even while we live elsewhere, we constantly think about how we can give back to Assam. By staying outside, we act as ambassadors for our culture, carrying Assamese identity wherever we go.”



Sep 15, 2025 14:33 IST
Our Language and Traditions Are at Risk: Subhrangshu
Subhrangshu Pratim Sarmah, Research Scholar at JNU, reflected on Assam’s long-overlooked position in India: “Nine years ago, when I came to Delhi, I wrote an article in The Hindu calling Assam the ‘Cinderella of India.’ Just as Cinderella was looked down upon, the Northeast is largely ignored. For many, Assam was only known through Papon, the Brahmaputra, or Bhupen Hazarika. Today, thanks to connectivity, even cab drivers know names like Himanta Biswa or Gaurav. Our language and traditions are at risk—new customs like mehendi are replacing our own. Our youth must soar with open wings, but always stay rooted to Assam.”



Sep 15, 2025 13:23 IST
“Corporations Gain Land, Locals Lose Rights: Basanta Gogoi
Basanta Gogoi, President, All Assam Tai Ahom Students Union, emphasized the security and rights aspect tied to ST recognition: "Why does Assam need ST recognition for its six communities? During the Assam Movement, 855 people lost their lives, and in the armed struggle, 15,000 Assamese were killed. Assam will only be secure when the six communities are recognized as STs. This ensures that Assam’s political rights stay with local Assamese people, not outsiders. Otherwise, leaders like Ashok Singhal or Badruddin Ajmal could gain power.
While corporations like Adani and Ambani acquire thousands of acres, we cannot be sure when even the land we cultivate at home will be taken from us. The entire system is controlled from Delhi, with their cooperation, leaving local communities powerless."



Sep 15, 2025 13:19 IST
“Congress, BJP Failed Tribes; ST Recognition Long Overdue”: Boluram Barman
Boluram Barman, General Secretary, AAKRASU, described the long history of struggle and deception faced by his community: "In India, there is one community that has faced the most deception — ours. Our ST recognition struggle has been going on for 100 years. The Koch-Rajbanshi people are spread across three countries: Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal. Without recognition for all six communities, Assam cannot be secure. We live in constant uncertainty, never knowing who will take what or when. Congress had time but failed to grant recognition; BJP came promising support but now, in power, has not acted. And now Congress again says ST recognition is necessary — this is the politics of the matter."



Sep 15, 2025 13:17 IST
“We Meet All Criteria for ST Status”: Bikash Dohotiya
Dr. Bikash Dohotiya, Former Vice-President, Moran Students' Union, highlighted that the communities already meet all government criteria for ST recognition.
"The Government of India has already defined the criteria required for ST recognition, and our communities meet all of them. Even today, these traits can be seen among the Moran people in Moran villages. Back in 2006, we provided these details and were told we were eligible for recognition. This is now a political issue" he said.



Sep 15, 2025 13:15 IST
“Without ST Status, Upper Assam Will Remain Unsettled”: Swarup Gohain
Swarup Gohain, General Secretary, All Assam Matak Yuba Chatra Sanmilan, stressed the historical significance of the Motok and Moran communities: "The Motok and Moran communities have their own history and heritage. We have been forced to criticize successive governments — AGP, Congress, and BJP — because our demands for ST recognition have been ignored. We, the Motok and Moran, need ST status. How it is granted is known to the Chief Minister and the state government. Without this recognition, Upper Assam will remain unsettled."



Sep 15, 2025 13:04 IST
“If ST Status is Granted, Parties Fear Losing Power”: Mohen Borah
Mohen Borah, President of the Chutiya Students Union, underscored the political exploitation of the issue: “Many are doing politics in the name of ST recognition. The ruling government isn’t offering real solutions; they are only giving symbolic gestures.” He warned that full ST recognition would make Assam effectively a state with ST representation, but political parties fear losing power: “If the six communities are recognized, many could lose their seats. That’s why the government hesitates.”
Borah concluded with a note on learning from global movements, adding, “The Assam government could take lessons from social and environmental movements worldwide to implement long-term solutions rather than temporary measures.”



Sep 15, 2025 13:01 IST
“Assam’s Six Tribes Deserve Recognition, Not Excuses”: AATSU chief
Dhiraj Gowala, President of AATSU, highlighted the decades-long struggle, stating, “The demand for ST status for the six communities has been ongoing for three decades. A bill was even introduced in the Rajya Sabha in 2016. Unfortunately, just as Congress failed us, the BJP has also let us down.” He added that political hesitation stems from fear of losing seats, explaining, “Assam’s political environment has remained unsettled because no party has dared to solve this issue seriously. Granting ST status could mean loss of political power, which is why there’s inaction.”
Gowala emphasized the necessity of action, saying, “There is no alternative but to launch a movement now. ST recognition for these six communities would give Assam comprehensive control over issues like illegal immigration and the presence of outsiders. Eviction drives alone are not a permanent solution; only ST recognition can solve the problem.”



Sep 15, 2025 12:48 IST
Tribal Voices Uniting: Assam’s Six Communities on Stage
The largest panel of The Conclave 2025 is now underway, bringing together leaders from Assam’s six tribal communities to discuss their demands, challenges, and the realities they face.
The session features:
Dhiraj Gowala, President, AATSU
Mohen Borah, President, Chutiya Students Union
Swarup Gohain, General Secretary, Mattak Yuva Chatra Sanmilan
Palindra Borah, President, Moran Students' Union
Boluram Barman, General Secretary, AAKRASU
Basanta Gogoi, President, All Assam Tai Ahom Students Union
The session is being moderated by Nitumoni Saikia, Editor in Chief, Pratidin Time.
This session promises a lively discussion on Scheduled Tribe status, community aspirations, and the path forward for Assam’s tribal population, making it one of the most significant and engaging panels of the conclave. Stay tuned for updates and highlights from this important dialogue.



Sep 15, 2025 12:31 IST
Yashpal Sharma on His Journey in Assamese Cinema
Yashpal Sharma shared insights into how he fell in love with Assamese cinema, emphasizing that it was never the medium of film itself but the directors and stories that drew him in. He revealed that his first Assamese director was Biswajeet Bora, with whom he worked on two films, including one which also included Baharul Islam. These films immersed him in Assamese language, culture, traditions, and values, and he spent significant time in Assam during their production.
Sharma recalled approaching veteran actor Baharul Islam, admitting he knew little about Assamese cinema at the time. Islam reassured him, highlighting his extensive experience in regional cinema and encouraging Sharma to learn from it.
He also reflected on his first collaboration with director Jahnu Barua, during a shoot in Sikkim. Unfortunately, the film could not be released due to the producer’s untimely death. Working with Barua, however, gave him a glimpse into the depth of Assamese filmmaking — the number of films made, the national awards earned, and the dedication behind each project.
Sharma concluded by noting that meeting Biswajeet Bora later reinforced his admiration for Assamese cinema and its storytelling. For him, it was the vision of the directors and the richness of the narratives that made Assamese films truly compelling.



Sep 15, 2025 12:08 IST
From Mithun Dreams to Theatre Reality: Baharul Islam Speaks
The panel on Assamese cinema continues with Baharul Islam, who shared insights from his inspiring journey in acting and theatre. From childhood, Islam dreamed of becoming like Mithun Chakraborty, admiring his work and aspiring to emulate his style. “I thought, ‘I am black, Mithun is black, so I can be like him too.’ Back then, Assamese cinema had no dark-skinned actors, and Pulak Gogoi sir gave me my first opportunity,” he said.
He recalled his time at the National School of Drama (NSD), highlighting how the institute shaped him as an actor. “My dream was to go to NSD. Even today, people believe money isn’t everything — talent is equally important. I had no family legacy or connections. On my first attempt, I got a seat at NSD,” he shared.
Islam spoke about the rigorous training at NSD: “NSD taught me that you must practice yoga, study Indian literature, and also Western literature. Shakespeare, Kalidasa — all of them were part of the curriculum. Gradually, the idea of becoming Mithun Chakraborty faded. I thought, ‘I am Assamese; I should return home to Assam.’”
Returning to Assam, he began working in theatre, channeling his thoughts and emotions into performances. He credited his Guruji for instilling a lifelong principle: “Always work with new people; there’s no need to go to Mecca — blessings will come from above. That’s what I follow.”



Sep 15, 2025 11:59 IST
Operation Sindoor: Journalists Debate Media Ethics and Narrative at The Conclave 2025
Day 2 of The Conclave 2025, hosted by Pratidin Media Network, kicked off with Session 8: Operation Sindoor – The Media Narrative, a discussion that examined the coverage of one of India’s most debated military operations. The session featured top journalists Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty (The Wire), Sachin Gogoi (BBC), and Nitin A. Gokhale (Founder, BharatShakti Group), moderated by Smitakshi B. Goswami, Director of Pratidin Media Network. Read More



Sep 15, 2025 11:55 IST
“Did I Really Do This?”: Rima Das Reflects on Village Rockstar
Award-winning filmmaker Rima Das shared her unexpected journey into cinema. Originally coming to Mumbai to be an actor, she turned to filmmaking when acting didn’t work out. With no resources and initial family surprise, she began creating films like paintings — telling stories she loves. She described filmmaking as a personal passion and prayer, reflecting on her debut Village Rockstar as a moment of self-discovery that strengthened her focus on storytelling.



Sep 15, 2025 11:38 IST
Yashpal Sharma, Baharul Islam & Rima Das Discuss Assamese Cinema
The second session of Day 2, “The Cinematic Journey of Assam's Film Industry” , is now underway. The discussion features actors Yashpal Sharma and Baharul Islam alongside award-winning filmmaker Rima Das, and is moderated by Smitakshi B. Goswami, Director of Pratidin Media Network. The panel is exploring the evolution, struggles, and achievements of Assamese cinema, highlighting how the region’s film industry has grown over the years while navigating challenges unique to regional filmmaking.



Sep 15, 2025 11:15 IST
‘News Has Become Views’: Gokhale on State of Indian TV Media
Nitin A. Gokhale (Founder, BharatShakti Group) reflected on how technology has transformed journalism over the decades, describing his own career as a journey “from telegram to Telegram app.” Comparing Kargil with Operation Sindoor, he noted that while Kargil reporting showed what journalists witnessed on the ground, technology has now collapsed time and space — changing how information is delivered and consumed.

Gokhale lamented the state of Indian TV news post 6 PM, saying it has turned into “views, not news,” with anchors and panellists shouting over each other, leaving digital media to reclaim the space television once owned 15 years ago. He also flagged the lack of information and experience as a challenge in digital reporting and observed that “reporting today has become secondary.” 



Sep 15, 2025 11:14 IST
Patriotism Cannot Override Journalistic Objectivity: Sachin Gogoi
During the Session, Sachin Gogoi (BBC) reflected on the role of the media, quoting American author Douglas Kennedy: “We talk a lot about how much we hate lies, but we often prioritise them — because challenging lies is harder than accepting convenient falsehoods.

That is the uncomfortable truth.” Gogoi acknowledged criticism directed at the BBC but stressed that, as a journalist, his job is to question those in power, not simply amplify the government’s narrative. “Governments have enough platforms to spread their version; our job is not to be their mouthpiece,” he said. Gogoi added that while he is proud to be an Indian, patriotism cannot cloud objectivity when he sits before a camera or writes a report. Working for an international news organisation, he reminded the audience that journalism serves a global audience, not a “targeted” one, and therefore must uphold neutrality and accountability.



Sep 15, 2025 10:59 IST
'Pure Nautanki’: Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty Slams TV Coverage of Operation Sindoor
During the first session of Day 2, Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty criticised the coverage of Operation Sindoor on national television, calling it “pure nautanki” filled with fake news, while praising print and digital media for doing responsible reporting. 

She shared that The Wire was even shut down for 12 hours for carrying the same report aired by CNN. Pisharoty warned that such a state of TV news has consequences, citing the recent hostile treatment of Indian TV journalists in Nepal — a reaction she noted was not directed at digital media journalists.



Sep 15, 2025 10:37 IST
First Session of Day 2 Begins: Journalists Decode Operation Sindoor Narrative
The day kicks off with a full house as Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty (The Wire), Sachin Gogoi (BBC) and Nitin A. Gokhale (BharatShakti Group) are felicitated before taking their seats on stage. 
Moderator Smitakshi B. Goswami leads a sharp, engaging conversation on how one of India’s most debated military operations was reported — diving deep into media ethics, narrative-building, and public perception.



Sep 15, 2025 10:06 IST
Coming Up: Session 8 – Operation Sindoor: The Media Narrative
We’re minutes away from kicking off Session 8 (10:00–10:45 AM). Top journalists Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty (The Wire), Sachin Gogoi (BBC), and Nitin A. Gokhale (BharatShakti Group) are set to take the stage.

Moderated by Smitakshi B. Goswami, this session will unpack how one of India’s most debated military operations was covered, exploring media ethics, narrative-building, and public perception. 
Stay tuned as we go LIVE!



Sep 15, 2025 09:45 IST
The Conclave 2025 Day 2: Media, Cinema, Youth & Politics Take Centre Stage
The curtains rise on Day 2 of The Conclave 2025, hosted by Pratidin Media Network, with another power-packed schedule that will keep Delhi talking about Assam and the Northeast.
The morning begins with Session 8: Operation Sindoor – The Media Narrative (10:00–10:45 AM), where top journalists Sangeeta Barooah Pisharoty (The Wire), Sachin Gogoi (BBC), and Nitin A. Gokhale (Founder of BharatShakti Group) will decode the coverage of one of India’s most debated military operations. Smitakshi B. Goswami, Director, Pratidin Media Network, will moderate the discussion on media ethics, narrative-building and public perception. Read More