Network18's editor resigns alleging he was forced to stop his book on Rahul Gandhi
New Delhi: Senior digital journalist Dayashankar Mishra has reportedly submitted his resignation to the Network18 management, where he served as the Executive Editor (Digital). He has alleged that he had to resign because his employers were unhappy with him writing a book on Rahul Gandhi.
Dayashankar Mishra is currently in the spotlight for his upcoming book focused on Rahul Gandhi, scheduled for release in December. Mishra revealed on his 'X' handle that Network18 asked for his resignation if he intended to proceed with the book. He claimed that although he had the option to withdraw the book and save his job, he chose to stand with the truth and continue writing.
Making this revelation in a detailed note, Mishra expressed his surprise at the challenges associated with presenting the truth about Rahul Gandhi. He asked why, in a time when there is a competition to write about those in power, compiling and presenting the thoughts, vision, and determination of a public policy thinker would create such trouble.
“I had no idea how much trouble writing the truth on Rahul Gandhi would create. At a time when there is a competition to write epics on those in power, I thought why would anyone bother to compile and present the thoughts, vision and determination of a public policy thinker?” he added.
पहले इस्तीफ़ा, फिर किताब :
— Dayashankar Mishra (@DayashankarMi) November 22, 2023
राहुल गांधी पर सच लिखना कितनी मुश्किलें खड़ी करेगा, मुझे बिल्कुल अंदाज़ा नहीं था। ऐसे समय जब सत्ताधीशों पर गाथा-पुराण लिखने की होड़ लगी हो, मैंने सोचा था कि एक लोकनीतिक विचारक की सोच, दृष्टि और दृढ़ता को संकलित कर प्रस्तुत करना किसी को क्यों… pic.twitter.com/oEroAWRP1i
Responding to Mishra's claims, Network18 released a statement on Thursday, dismissing them as a publicity stunt. The company stated that Mishra violated company regulations by not seeking permission before writing a book or contributing outside the organization. According to Network18, Mishra was informed that he should adhere to the company's norms when he announced his book, scheduled for release in December.
Having been with Network18 for more than four and a half years, Mishra previously held the position of Editor (Languages) at the digital wing of the Zee Group, contributing to the expansion of the Hindi digital version of Zee News and other Indian languages during his two-year tenure.
Prior to his association with the Zee Group, Mishra served as an editor at the Hindi website of the NDTV Group. In 2016, while at NDTV, he initiated a series against war during the surgical strikes, earning appreciation from academicians, sociologists, and critics.
With nearly two and a half decades of experience in journalism, Dayashankar Mishra has worked in various regions, including Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Delhi, and Jammu and Kashmir. His interests encompass study, travel, and communication. Mishra is recognized for his contributions to social and development journalism, having received the United Nations Population Fund award in 2008 for his research and study on manual scavenging societies. Additionally, he was granted a fellowship on the same subject from NFI, Delhi, in 2009.
News18 statement about the false and misleading claims by Mr Dayashankar Mishra: pic.twitter.com/Cuo5Jd5LRb
— News18 India (@News18India) November 23, 2023
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Assam Guv, CM, Gaurav Gogoi greet people on Rongali Bihu
Guwahati (PTI): Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi on Wednesday extended greetings to people on the occasion of Rongali Bihu and the Assamese New Year.
In a statement, Acharya said Rongali Bihu symbolises new beginnings, hope and togetherness, and plays a vital role in strengthening Assam's rich cultural traditions while bringing joy, peace and prosperity to society.
Describing India as a land of festivals, he noted that such occasions promote social harmony, cultural identity and unity.
"The state represents a harmonious confluence of diverse communities, languages and traditions, forming the greater Assamese identity. Rongali Bihu, marking the advent of spring and the Assamese New Year, reflects the deep bond between people and nature and inspires collective celebration," Acharya said.
The love for nature among the people of Assam, he said, is the soul of the state and Rongali Bihu is its most graceful expression.
"As an agrarian festival, Bihu captures the hopes and aspirations of farmers through its songs and dances, making it deeply meaningful. Bihu has now transcended geographical boundaries and gained global recognition," the Governor said.
Sarma, in a post on X, also greeted people on the occasion.
"Today marks Bohag, the vibrant beginning of a new year and the very heartbeat of life in Assam. On this joyous and deeply cherished day, I extend my heartfelt greetings and warm wishes to my beloved people of Assam. May this new year bring happiness, prosperity, and renewed hope to every home," he said.
Gogoi said Bohag Bihu is a profound feeling connected to Assamese people's existence, culture and land.
"Today is the first Bohag, the first day of the Assamese New Year. May our lives shine with a new light of hope as the arrival of the New Year revives nature," he said.
The Assam Congress president prayed that the state be filled with happiness, peace and prosperity.
"In this new year, let us all move forward together to make our Assam even more beautiful with the tone of hope, love and unity. Happy Assamese New Year to everyone," he added.
Rongali or Bohag Bihu celebrations kick off mid-April on the last day of the Assamese calendar, ‘Chot 30’.
Dance, music and feasting highlight the celebrations, with communities coming together to soak in the festive atmosphere. 'Rongali' is derived from 'Rong', meaning joy and celebration.
Bihu has arrived, and the joy is all around.
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) April 14, 2026
A lovely glimpse from the Nabarun Jeng Bihu team of Simaluguri, Narayanpur
A delight to watch ♥️ pic.twitter.com/lfAPVSiK7L
