K. Satchidanandan resigned as the president of the Kerala Sahitya Akademi, citing ideological differences with the state government’s alleged saffronisation attempts and increasing interference in the Akademi’s affairs. He submitted his resignation to the government on March 15, 2024, effective immediately.
Satchidanandan’s decision follows his strong protest against the government’s recent directive to revise the Akademi’s policy of awarding prizes, specifically concerning eligibility criteria for writers. The government sought to prioritize writers who consistently wrote *about* Kerala, a move Satchidanandan perceived as exclusionary and potentially biased against writers in translation or those writing on universal themes. He argued this change would compromise the Akademi’s secular and democratic principles.
He expressed concern over the increasing attempts to impose a particular ideological stance on the Akademi, referencing instances of pressure to include specific writers and exclude others based on their political views. Satchidanandan believes the government’s actions undermine the autonomy of the Akademi and its role as a champion of diverse literary voices.
He highlighted a recent incident where the government questioned the selection of a writer for a prestigious award, indicating a direct attempt to influence the Akademi’s decisions. He stated that the Akademi should remain a space for free expression and critical inquiry, free from political interference.
Satchidanandan, a renowned poet and critic, had served as Akademi president since 2018. His resignation has sparked debate within Kerala’s literary community, with many expressing support for his stance against perceived political interference. He emphasized his commitment to safeguarding the Akademi’s independence and upholding its values, even if it meant stepping down from his position. He intends to continue his literary work and advocacy for freedom of expression. The government has accepted his resignation and will begin the process of appointing a new president.
