Kerala literary awards awash in red ink

However,by honouring K L Mohana Varma,chief editor of the Congress mouthpiece Veekshanam,in the category of novel,and an anti-Communist V Rajakrishnan in criticism,the Akademi seems to have done a balancing act. “The selection of the winners was done in the most transparent manner and there was no political intervention. The Akademi should not be blamed if majority of writers in the state belongs to the Left camp,” said novelist M Mukundan,the akademi chairman. He said the awards should not be considered as the final word in the literary world. “Even some of the best works in Malayalam such as Khasakkinte Ithihasam of the late novelist O V Vijayan had not bagged the Akademi award.”

However,not all seem to agree with Mukundan. Noted writer Sethu,recipient of the prestigious Vayalar Rama Varma Award,said it was unfortunate that awards had gone to supporters of a political party. “At the same time,we should not forget that some eligible writers too have got honoured this time.”

Renowned sculptor M V Devan said that academies have been constituted on political lines. “Political parties have been keen to make their men as the members. This heavy dose of politics reflects upon the selection of works also,” he said.

The Akademi has been headed by pro-Left writer M Mukundan since the LDF government assumed office in 2006. The government also filled the body with communists like K E N Kunhahammed and Praba Varma as members. Both Mukundan and Kunhahammed have also taken sides with the faction feud within the CPI (M).