Is it justified for the writers to return their awards in protest?
I don’t see from where the question of justification arises. Writers are free spirits and they are at liberty to do what they feel is right. The controversy has risen because people don’t understand the issue. All writers carry a complicated mixture of deeper responsibility towards society and a strong sense of individualism. If they felt disturbed enough to return their awards, we must accept and respect it.
It seems that the writers are divided and have taken a political line.
Several writers have simultaneously yet independently decided to return their awards. I don’t think there are any pressures being exerted or indeed any divisions between them. Strangely, the Akademi and the government instead of understanding what is there in the hearts and minds of the writers and empathising with them, has been quick to condemn the entire writing community.
The government believes the writers are overreacting.
It is a free world. They are peacefully returning their awards. Perhaps a segment of society doesn’t comprehend what a real writer is. I deeply appreciate what the Sahitya Akademi has been doing for the last 60 years. Had the Akademi responded to the concerns of the literary community, this unfortunate situation may not have arisen.
Why do you think that the Sahitya Akademi is not reacting?
It is incomprehensible why the Akademi and the culture ministry have made this into a confrontational process rather than a platform for expressing and resolving mutual concerns.
Do you think this was perhaps due to the change of government at the Centre?
I don’t think the Centre is the issue at all. The issue was absolute insensitivity of the Sahtiya Akademi which has been now compounded by the insensitivity of statements emanating from the culture ministry.
What according to you should be done to address the issue?
Efforts should be made to restore harmony and equilibrium by sincerely asserting the need and right of the freedom of expression.
You’ve reached your limit of 5 free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Access to Exclusive Premium Stories
Over 30 subscriber-only stories daily, handpicked by our editors


Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share


Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor


Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements


Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app