Poet Keki Daruwalla blasts Sahitya Akademi for apathy shown towards Kalburgi

Keki Nasserwanji Daruwalla, renowned Indian poet and writer who won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1984, has also joined the group of people protesting against the silent stand adopted by the Akademi over the murder of writer M.M. Kalburgi. In a letter addressed to the president of Sahitya Akademi, Daruwalla laments the lack of even a condolence meeting to honour Kalburgi memory.

Read the full text of the letter here:

October 10, 2015

Dear Dr. Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari,

What I am going to say may not be very pleasant. I have, since my return to the country in mid September, been quite perturbed at the inexplicable silence of the Akademi of which you are President, in regard to crimes against authors.

The letters from well known writers and their dismay at the Akademi's apathy to murder of writers is indeed something extremely alarming. It is astonishing that you are not sensitive to this issue. Writers returning their awards, or resigning from positions in the Akademi, is something which has never been witnessed in the long history of the Akademi.

Late Prof. M.M. Kalburgi was a Sahitya Akademi award winner. He was murdered first thing in the morning on August 30. According to all the reports in papers that I have read, this was a murder of ideas that he held.Over a month has passed and the Akademi has not even held a Shok Sabha, condolence meeting in his honour. What does it say of the Akademi as an institution and of office bearers of this institution as upholders of our literary and cultural values?

The Akademi must hold a meeting and condole with the family. What is ven more important, writers should feel free to express their anger and views at this dastardly crime. It is not just the crime that is condemnable, but also the distorted and warped thought process behind the act that needs to be vilified by our fellow writers.

I and other writers sincerely hope that you will stir the Akademi from its soporific stance and act. We need to fear no one in this matter.

Sincerely Yours

Keki N. Daruwalla