India Today anchors Rajdeep, Sawant clash over India-Pakistan boycott debate
Noida: A fiery on-air clash erupted between senior India Today journalists Rajdeep Sardesai and Gaurav Sawant during a panel discussion on whether India should boycott Pakistan in sports and culture over terrorism concerns. The debate, which aired as part of the channel’s Democratic Newsroom series on YouTube, quickly turned contentious after Sawant used the phrase "bloody Turks" while making a broader argument about Pakistan’s cultural affiliations.
The segment, which was about exploring cultural ties, diplomatic challenges, and public sentiment surrounding India-Pakistan relations, featured multiple panelists. However, it was an exchange between Sardesai and Sawant that drew sharp attention.
This comes amid Punjabi singer-star Diljit Dosanjh facing criticism for casting Pakistani star Hania Aamir in his upcoming Punjabi film Sardaar Ji 3.
Sawant, argued that India must take a firm position and sever all sporting and cultural ties with Pakistan, citing the global boycott of apartheid-era South Africa as a precedent. "If you have the will, boycott Pakistan and follow it to the hilt. It doesn’t have to take a decade, it may take a century, but just follow it through," he said.
He further questioned the narrative of shared cultural heritage between Indians and Pakistanis, stating, "Some Pakistanis call Arabs or Turks their forefathers, never Indians... they think they are bloody Turks."
This remark immediately drew a sharp response from Sardesai, who interjected, saying, "Look at the language being used." He urged his colleague to maintain "civilised language" during the discussion. "I’m astonished the way you think... you have no clue," Sardesai added.
Sawant retorted, accusing Sardesai of interrupting and failing to counter him on facts. "Was South Africa banned for apartheid or not? I’m giving you facts, and you’re interrupting me," he said, continuing to cite examples of international sporting boycotts. Sardesai dismissed, arguing, "That was not the reason the Cold War ended. Please don’t make foolish arguments."
Sardesai condemned Sawant’s characterisation of Pakistanis. "You’ve damned every Pakistani by claiming they don’t have Indian heritage. What an idiotic statement to make," he said. Sawant defended himself, calling Sardesai’s responses "silly" and insisted he be allowed to finish his point.
The moderator eventually stepped in and diverted the conversation to another panelist, Nikhil, who sided with Sawant on the issue of diplomatic failure. "The entire world came together during apartheid in South Africa. We’ve failed at diplomatic levels. When Pakistan was set to host the Champions Trophy, we tried hard to get those rights revoked. In the end, only our matches were held elsewhere, while the rest happened in Pakistan," Nikhil said.
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26-year-old youth from Andhra dies by suicide in US
Kurnool (Andhra Pradesh) (PTI): A 26-year-old youth from this district has died allegedly by suicide in Chicago, US, recently, due to distress over debt, sources said on Saturday.
The family members of the deceased have requested that the identity of their relative be withheld, noting that his parents are senior citizens suffering from medical conditions.
Reacting to the incident, Andhra Pradesh IT Minister Nara Lokesh expressed condolences and assured assistance for the repatriation of the mortal remains of the deceased.
"My heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. I request Union Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu to ensure smooth and hassle-free transport of the mortal remains," Lokesh said in a post on X.
An NRI community member from the US posted on social media that one of their members from Kurnool on Optional Practical Training (OPT) passed away in Chicago a few days ago.
He said Telugu Association of North America (TANA) had completed all necessary documentation and formalities to send the mortal remains to India for final rites.
He further requested assistance in expediting the cargo pickup, currently scheduled for Sunday, seeking an earlier arrangement considering the urgency.
(Assistance for overcoming suicidal thoughts is available on the state’s health helpline 104, Tele-MANAS 14416.)
