Rasgulla is a Hindi word that is used all over India and abroad to refer to the 'king of sweets' i.e. Rasagola and its multiple spellings.
A simple search for Rasagola on the popular video-sharing website, YouTube, gives many search-results most of which describe it as a "Bengali sweet".
After Odisha earned the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for Odisha Rasagola, there were far fewer videos dedicated to it, than when Bengal had earned GI tag for Banglar Rasogolla.
Some of the videos have incorrect information that- Bengal had earned tag for Rasgulla, while Odisha has earned tag for Rasagola!
Note- Bengal has GI tag for Banglar Rasogolla, while Odisha has GI tag for Odisha Rasagola.
The problem is that once a video is posted, it cannot be updated, and it is hardly removed.
A fresh one with updated content ought to be posted.
But, even if a video with correct information is uploaded, the previous video with fake news has already reached many and created the (un)desired incorrect impression. Establishing truth is a challenge as it is extremely tough to change pre-set attitudes, perceptions, beliefs, and knowledge.
Viewers can post comments and share correct information. Luckily, the responsible and trusted media house has allowed this writer's comment to exist on their site till today-
In many cases, if a viewer points out the misinformation, the account-holders delete the comments!
I had shared this comment in @ZeeNews @YouTube @YouTubeIndia channel today.
— Dr. Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) April 2, 2021
I can no longer find it.
Isn't this a clear case of hiding/suppressing #Rasgulla truth?
Why are you building fake narrative & peddling lies? #fakenews @sudhirchaudhary @ZeeNewsSudhir @zeenewseditor pic.twitter.com/7CPXK5lXke
The above is not a solitary example.
This has happened many times with this author as many YouTube comments on Rasagola videos have been removed. Having become smarter over time, it makes sense to keep screenshots of comments after posting.
Dear #media & intellectuals,
— Dr. Anita Sabat (@anitaexplorer) April 16, 2021
Plz #EndRasgullaDebate.
Literary evidence proves- word Rasagola exists in 15th Century Odia Ramayana.
Continuing cultural tradition of Puri #RathYatra.
High time truth about Rasgulla is known #Blog-https://t.co/bDPa5VSQou https://t.co/H8v44ntr5e
Truly appreciate Twitter where such non-offensive comments can get a life, while YouTube creators can delete and kill the truth.
Such actions are an evidence of their propaganda. Had their intentions been honest, they would have apologized and stated that they would take care in the future videos. Or else, not say a word, but update their video description. If not any of these, at least allow the informative comment to exist so that other viewers can also read and learn.
Requesting all content-creators to please endeavour to share correct and unbiased information based on proper research.
Please do not be irresponsible to spread misinformation and propaganda in YouTube videos.
Remember that all this digital presence will last forever, and continue to misguide, misinform, and mislead, and strengthen fake news.
Why not make an attempt to discover and share the facts so that all are informed and aware?
This is not only about Rasgulla, but also about all other topics.
I’m participating in the April #A2ZChallenge #BlogchatterA2Z
A- A To Z of Rasagola - April 1- Utkala Dibasa
B- Blatant Lies And Biased Reports About Rasgulla Invention
C- Cottage-Cheese, Chhena And Comments About Rasgulla
D- Rasgulla Day - Rasagola Dibasa Celebration
E- Odisha Rasagola At Exhibitions And Events
F- Facts, Fake News, And False Information About Rasgulla
G- GI Tags of Odisha And Odisha Rasagola
H- Historical Evidence of Rasgulla And Research
I- Indigenous Knowledge, IPR, Rasgulla And Indian Sweets
J- Lord Jagannatha's Favourite Sweet & Food
L- List of Lunar & Solar Indian New Year Days
M- Maha Bishuba Sankranti Or Pana Sankranti
N- Name Rasgulla, Niladri Bije And New Year Wishes
O- Odisha Art And Sweet- Pattachitra And Rasgulla
P- Proposal to Odisha Government For Rasagola And GI Celebration
S- Rasgulla Songs- Odia Songs Dedicated To Rasagola
T- Text-books, Torture, And Rasgulla GI Tag
U- Uniform Spelling And Authorised Users of Rasagola
V- Valuable Victorious Virtue - Valour
This is my fifth #A2Z Challenge, and my last four challenges have been about Odisha, India.
Please do share any information about Rasgulla that you may have and which you feel must be documented and shared so that all are aware.
You are doing a great job by enlightening people about Odisha Rasagola and Odisha Rath Yatra. I agree that Youtube, and Facebook removes some content on the request of higher authorities but everyone has the right to know the truth!
ReplyDeleteThis is amazing. So much misinformation never realised till you brought out this series. You are doing an amazing job
ReplyDeleteDeepika Sharma
Correct information can only help bring the truth to the forefront. You are a crusader in real terms.
ReplyDeletePlease write to Sundar Pichai to fix the YouTube problem.
ReplyDeletePeople making those You tube videos or posting on social media unfortunately do not verify facts. It is definitely our duty to inform them whenever we come across such misrepresentation.
ReplyDelete