Umar Khalid And His World : An Anthology – Edited by Anirban Bhattacharya, Banojyotsna Lahiri, Shuddhabrata Sengupta

Description

This is an anthology of writings on and by Umar Khalid, edited by his friends, highlighting his ideas and the events that have been defining moments in his journey since he was imprisoned. In the process it underscores the injustice where the trial itself is punishment, the widespread support and sympathy for Umar Khalid, and the perfidy of the State. In talking of his world rather than just him, it also brings to life the related dimensions of democracy and authoritarianism, and that he is one among many prisoners of conscience. The book has contributions from eminent intellectuals, among them scholars, mediapersons, lawyers and human rights activists, as well as other prisoners under UAPA, and is enriched with songs and poetry of the anti-CAA-NRC protests, and statements and tributes from friends and family members. It carries some published material, but also writings appearing in print for the first time. The introduction and the responses of Umar from jail address vital questions of contemporary politics. The commentaries, investigative journalism, letters, journal entries, and observations make it a valuable document of our times