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Anime India's Organizing Team Departs from Event Due to Alleged Poor Working Conditions

A core member of the organizing team of the Anime India convention Nivi Pal confirmed with ANN on Friday that she and the other members have departed from the event due to alleged poor working conditions. Anime India Kolkata organizers Ila Ramachandran, Biplov Biswas, Epsit Ghodke, Sara Parkar, and Ruchir Badgujar are confirmed to not be renewing their contracts for the next event.

Pal made a statement on Instagram regarding an unnamed convention that alleged toxic workplace practices, non-compensation to the organizers, threats to community-run events, and sexual harassment. Pal declined to comment when asked about which convention she was referring to.

ANN reached out to the owner of the property AnimationXpress and a representative of the company stated that Pal was the only permanent employee who has left the company. The representative stated, "The other colleagues were amazing to work with but were on a contract just for Anime India Kolkata." Regarding Nivi's allegations on social media, the representative declined to comment but stated that the organization "[strives] to provide the best working conditions for every colleague of us."

Anime India's Instagram account released a post (pictured right) on Thursday featuring photographs of members of the organizing team that have departed from the event and several other individuals that were involved in the last event in Kolkata. The post, featuring no names or screen names, introduces them as "the crew behind Anime India Kolkata" and states the organization is "Grateful for every single one of you."

Anime India's representatives also stated to ANN that "a Japanese voice actor from the Anime - Naruto" will be attending the next event in Delhi. Anime India's Instagram account released a post on Thursday announcing that YURiKA (Little Witch Academia, Miss Kuroitsu From the Monster Development Department) will perform at the next Anime India event. Delhi Anime India will take place at Yashobhoomi Convention Centre on June 6 and June 7.

Anime India is known for bringing in anime industry professionals as guests and for its community oriented "fan panels."

Anime India hosted the event at Biswa Bangla Mela Prangan, Kolkata on February 14 and February 15. The event featured a panel and a workshop by director Susumu Mitsunaka (Haikyu!! director, Weathering With You key animator).

Anime India's previous event took place from August 22 through August 24 at NESCO BEC in Mumbai. Director Tetsuro Araki attended the event as the "flagship guest." Voice actor Tsunko (D4DJ First Mix, D4DJ All Mix), president of Avex Pictures' Hideo Katsumata, and DJ Tōko Nakamura also attended the event as guests. Hikari Dobashi attended the event as an exhibitor representing TV Tokyo.

Source: Online correspondence, Anime India's Instagram account (link 2)