Well, it is common knowledge how the rest of India loves stereotyping the Northeast. In fact, instead of choosing to learn about our diverse culture, we turn a blind eye and perpetuate this ignorance.
A teacher recently went viral, for unfortunately, calling Assam’s ‘Gamocha’ an animal.
During a GK quiz, the GradeUp teacher was seen explaining the importance of ‘Gamocha’ to his students in the viral clip. However, he says that Gamocha is an animal.
For the uninitiated, a Gamocha is an all-white rectangular piece of cloth that has a red border on three sides and red woven motifs on the other side. Being an article of significance for the state, it is one of the most recognisable cultural symbols of Assam.
However, the GradeUp teacher confidently told one of his students that Gamocha is an animal during an online multiple-choice session. Yes, an animal!
A user posted the clip on his Twitter pointing out how the teacher is spreading misinformation.
This is not Static GK, its a dynamic misinformation. Utterly shocking and disdainful. Have you fired the teacher yet @gradeupapp ? Please don't say it was a slip of tongue, he literally reiterated that Gamocha is an animal.@parthatribune @mrinaltalukdar8 may like to look. pic.twitter.com/bkRS2zzBEr
— Sandeepan B (@sandeepan_b) August 25, 2021
Originally posted on YouTube, the video went viral on social media.
Here’s how netizens reacted to the viral clip.
“Gamocha is basically an animal!” 😀 IYKYK https://t.co/BKCMOp0ibO
— Sumit Adhikari (@ADSoomeet) August 25, 2021
Will give “gamocha” in honour to that guy🙇
— ժօղα🦋 (@SGxflicker) August 25, 2021
Silence for those who are preparing with @gradeupapp
— Abhinab Chetia (@jonak8) August 25, 2021
Coach doesn’t even know what a ‘Gamocha’ is. pic.twitter.com/Ok4MIytgOt
What is this, this slur on our pride “Gamocha” by this teacher of exam preparation platform @gradeupapp must be examined for authenticity and would urge the Govt to take strong and appropriate action. @himantabiswa @DGPAssamPolice @gpsinghips @ranojpeguassam @ngmahanta pic.twitter.com/ZS1KaYB2Ws
— Shyamkanu Mahanta (@skmahanta2013) August 25, 2021
Sir:- ‘Gamocha’ is basically an animal 😓😫
— Rups B (@imrupB) August 25, 2021
Meanwhile me:- Bas yeh sir kahi mil jaye 😓 …
One horned Gamocha is the state animal of Assam.@upGrad_edu
— Dulal Saikia (@dulalaikias) August 25, 2021
This is a ‘Gamocha’ you idiots.
— The Lazy Witch (@TheLazyWitch3) August 25, 2021
Tell me, do you think this is an animal?#GamochaIsNotAnAnimal#Gamocha#RespectTheGamocha pic.twitter.com/svsr1SFeRZ
Aapna cultural symbol Gamocha is an animal.. yeh teachers nasha karke class kyu leta hai?? @himantabiswa @ranojpeguassam @PMOIndia @dpradhanbjp @sarbanandsonwal pic.twitter.com/TTzhtuAOAz
— 𝕿𝖍𝖊 𝕽𝖎𝖌𝖍𝖙𝖒𝖆𝖗𝖊 (@nath_pratim) August 25, 2021
Where are you PETA?
— Prashant Garg (@prashantgarg628) August 25, 2021
“Save our pride Gamocha (Animal of Assam)”
New gyan by #gradeup
However, GradeUp replied to the viral video and apologised for the mistake. They stated that the faculty made a factual error while addressing the class.
We sincerely apologise for this. In an old Youtube video, a faculty made a factual error while addressing the class. The faculty is no longer working with us. We ensure that Gradeup as an organisation works to provide the best exam preparation for each student to excel.
— Gradeup 🚀 (@gradeupapp) August 25, 2021