Noted litterateur C Radhakrishnan from Kerala has resigned as an eminent member of Sahitya Akademi in protest against the appointment of Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal as the inaugural speaker of this year’s literary festival. Radhakrishnan, who has received several prestigious awards including the Sahitya Akademi award, Ezhuthachan award, Vayalar award, and Kerala Sahitya Akademi award, sent his resignation to the Akademi secretary expressing his disappointment with the decision. He criticizes the minister’s lack of literary credentials and sees it as a clear politicisation of cultural affairs.

Radhakrishnan describes this incident as unprecedented in the history of Sahitya Akademi, which has always upheld its autonomy and resisted political influence. He recalls a similar incident from the previous year where a junior minister’s participation in the festival had also sparked protests. Despite assurances that such incidents would not recur, Radhakrishnan expresses his concern about the growing trend of politicising cultural administration. He clarifies that his protest is not against any particular political party but rather against the erosion of the Akademi’s independent stature.

The resignation of C Radhakrishnan, a prominent literary figure, highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the influence of politics in cultural institutions. This incident fuels discussions about the need to safeguard the autonomy of such institutions and protect them from political interference.

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