: Veteran artist, writer and critic M V Devan today sent a lawyer's notice to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Culture Affairs minister K C Joseph, demanding an unconditional apology from the state for having allegedly 'insulted' him.
He said he was to be given a memento at a function on November in connection with celebrations of 'Malayalam Sreshta Bhasha Dinagosham, organised to honour eminent persons who had contributed to the language and culture. Due to ill health, he could not participate in the function.
Later on when the memento was handed over to him, it was found he had been described as 'Dr Devan'.
The 84 year-old artist said it was an 'insult' to him and he was honoured even without verifying the name and position of the person who was sought to be honoured. He said he had been active in public life for the past seven decades.
'The irresponsible, false and defamatory insult would not have happened' had the government officials made efforts to ascertain the correct facts, he said.
He sought an unconditional public apology from the state, Chief Minister and culture affairs minister.
