"A Social Media Trial": Boria Majumdar presents his side on 2-years ban

The launch of ‘Banned: A Social Media Trial’ by sports historian Boria Majumdar has drawn attention to his challenging journey, which has been marked by social media backlash and personal trials. The book, officially introduced on Tuesday, sheds light on the tumultuous period faced by Majumdar, with notable support from figures like Abhinav Bindra and Pullela Gopichand.

Background of the Controversy

Majumdar’s ban from covering cricket stemmed from allegations made by a cricketer, resulting in a barrage of social media attacks that deeply affected him and his family. The book presents a candid account of this period, offering insights into the events leading up to the ban and its repercussions.

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Impact on Mental and Emotional Well-being

The relentless trolling on social media took a toll on Majumdar’s mental and emotional health, as well as that of his family members, including his wife, sister, and young daughter. The book delves into the profound impact of online abuse and the challenges of coping with such adversity.

Motivation Behind Writing the Book

Driven to share his story and seek closure, Majumdar decided to document his experience in ‘Banned: A Social Media Trial.’ Despite the irreparable loss of opportunities and the strain on his family, he felt compelled to confront the issue head-on.

Quotes from Boria Majumdar

Reflecting on the ordeal, Majumdar emphasizes the debilitating nature of social media trials and the resilience required to withstand them. He acknowledges the power dynamics at play and the lasting scars left by the experience.

Speaking on the occasion, Boria said, “A social media trial can break you. There were thousands of tweets of abuse for days on end, all premised on a set of untruths pushed by someone hugely powerful because he had played for the country and the national team. Against the entitled, I never stood a chance. The online trial forced me and the family to draw on every last bit of inner strength, and yet left permanent scars.”

“Having served the ban, I wanted closure in the form of this book. But no one knows better that there will never be a full stop. I will not get back the two years of opportunities that I lost, or the days and evenings when I was almost a stranger to my daughter,” he added.

Contributions from Abhinav Bindra and Pullela Gopichand

Abhinav Bindra and Pullela Gopichand offer their perspectives on the dangers of social media abuse and the importance of focusing on one’s strengths amidst adversity. Their words of encouragement underscore the need for resilience in the face of online abuse.

Gopichand explained, “With the continuous social media abuse, we tend to lose hope. Losing hope and motivation is the worst thing that can happen to us. When this controversy happened my only advice to Boria was to focus on what he does best – his journalism – and forget everything else.”

“I think as athletes and as a community, we stand for certain values and should be very careful with what we say or put out for we have a certain currency. What we put out on social media I think is something that we must be very wary of and do it with a degree of responsibility,” the Olympic gold medalist Bindra said.

Perils of Social Media Trials

The book underscores the dangers of social media trials, where false narratives and targeted attacks can wreak havoc on individuals and their families. It serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the need for greater awareness and support for those facing similar challenges.

Through Majumdar’s journey, readers glean insights into navigating social media controversies and preserving one’s well-being. The book offers valuable lessons on resilience, self-care, and seeking support during challenging times.

Majumdar’s wife, Sharmistha Gooptu said, “I can only be thankful that my daughter was then 8 and not 14 or 15 and not on social media to witness her father’s humiliation. The trolls did not spare her or me.”