• UGI USER
  • Apr 02, 2024
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AUTHOR QUITS SAHITYA AKADEMI CITING POLITICAL INTERFERENCE

Why in the news?

Controversy arises as a Malayalam author resigns from Sahitya Akademi, citing political interference over Union Minister’s participation in the festival.

About the Author’s Resignation:

  • Malayalam author C. Radhakrishnan quits Sahitya Akademi’s general council, citing political interference.
  • Objects to Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal inaugurating Sahityotsav, claiming lack of literary credentials.
  • Author’s Protest:
    • Radhakrishnan protests against politicisation of cultural administration, asserting it undermines Akademi’s independence.
    • Clarifies not targeting any specific political party but opposes interference in literary affairs.
  • Akademi’s Response:
    • Sahitya Akademi responds, dismissing Radhakrishnan’s resignation as “misleading”.
    • Akademi President Madhav Kaushik defends Minister Meghwal, highlighting his literary contributions and support for regional languages.
Key Points about Sahitya Akademi:

Establishment:

●   Inaugurated by the Government of India on March 12, 1954.

●   Serves as India’s National Academy of Letters.

Scope and Function:

●   Central institution for literary dialogue, publication, and promotion.

●   Engages in literary activities across 24 Indian languages, including English.

Autonomy and Structure:

●   Operates as an autonomous organisation despite government set up.

●   Registered as a society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.