The Chicken-Neck Podcast

In our 2nd episode of "TCN-YOUTH COLLOQUY", we are joined by Dr. Rituparna Patgiri, who works as an Assistant Professor of Sociology at the Indraprastha College for Women, University of Delhi. She is also one of the co-founders of Doing Sociology, an independent, women-led academic blog dedicated to promoting sociological content.

In this episode, we speak to Rituparna about her PhD thesis which focuses on the Mobile Theatres in Assam. Titled as 'Bhyrmoman Natak in Assam: A Study of Publics' her work argues that these mobile theatres appear to be at once a part of the larger Assamese public sphere, and yet it shows signs of being a counter-public. 

Mobile theatres are one of the most widespread forms of entertainment in Assam. It is often seen as a site of ethnic Assamese assertion in a fast-changing globalized cultural world. When the Assamese film industry is unable to compete with Bollywood and Hollywood movies, mobile theatre is the largest revenue earning industry in the state. Yet, it is very much a part of the same world, having adapted itself to the commercial demands of the time by using the latest technologies and content. In this episode along with her primary research observations, we delve into the history of these theatre groups, their impact on the cultural, economic & social fabric of the greater Assamese society. We also discuss about the challenges faced by the industry because of the pandemic and of possible solutions that can help them tackle the changing dynamics of entertainment. 

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the individual podcasters. Listener Discretion is advised.

In our 12th episode, we talk to Prarthana Hazarika, a Sports Journalist who has been working in the sports media industry for two decades. She has been an active member of the AIPS (World Sports Press Association) and is an ABC (Australia Broadcasting Corporation) certified Sports Media Trainer. Apart from widely covering International sports events she has also been a part of the ABC International Development team that works for the upliftment of grassroots sports in India. In this episode we talk about insightful stories about the athletes from North East in the build up to Tokyo 2021, the recent performances and actions that are changing the narrative around sports person from the Northeast & the role sports journalists, administrators and other stakeholders must play in ensuring the growth of a robust sports culture. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the individual podcasters. Listener Discretion is advised.

In our 11th episode, we are joined by Mr. Sushanta Talukdar, a distinguished journalist from Assam, who has a wide experience of covering Northeast for decades. Mr. Talukdar has worked extensively with several national dailies including his long association with The Hindu and continues to write in prominent publications. He is also the recipient of the prestigious Parag Kumar Das Journalism Award 2016. Mr.Talukdar spoke to us on an array of issues on the episode which starts off with his personal journey as a journalist and his views on the issues brewing in the arena of journalism such as technology and the rise of media portals (20:00) as well as his own venture NEZINE (28:00). On the policy front we discussed the contentious questions around population control (38:00) the cattle protection bill as well as the latest Assam-Mizoram border dispute (48:00) and it's impact on policy (60:00) and economic upliftment of the Northeast. Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the individual podcasters. Listener Discretion is advised. 

In our 8th episode, we are joined by Ms. Hekani Jakhalu, a US educated lawyer turned social entrepreneur from Nagaland. Ms. Jakhalu is the founder of "YouthNet", a non-profit organization that seeks to empower the younger generation by imparting knowledge and life skills, and make them become self-directing and responsible citizens of the society.

In this episode, we talk to Ms. Jakhalu about her fascinating personal journey and on the challenges of being a female in an extremely demanding profession. We delve on the need to bridge the cultural and policy gaps in order to create a model that would help mushroom entrepreneurship and employment in the region. We also discuss her other initiatives that are helping leaders and entrepreneurs from the region connect with each other to push a new era of growth.

Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in the podcast are those of the individual podcasters. Listener Discretion is advised.