Make literature a weapon of social critique, says Saji Cherian

Literature is not merely a means of aesthetic enjoyment but a sharp weapon of social critique, Cultural Affairs Minister Saji Cherian has said. He was inaugurating the Kerala Sahitya Akademi’s 69th anniversary celebrations and the presentation ceremony of the 2024 literary awards here on Wednesday.

“We live in a time when communalism and intolerance are challenging the very foundations of democracy,” the Minister said. “Writers must have the courage to speak the truth fearlessly and defend the ideals of humanity and secularism. The government remains committed to protecting creative freedom and strengthening our cultural institutions.”

Reading habits

Mr. Cherian also stressed the need to address the changing reading habits of the digital era, attract youngsters to literature, and foster a continuous dialogue with global literary movements. “May the Akademi continue to position Malayalam literature more powerfully on the world map in the coming years,” he added.

Delivering the keynote address, Kerala Sahitya Akademi president K. Satchidanandan expressed concern over the fading use of Malayalam among younger generations. “We live in an age where higher education, overseas jobs, social media, and the dominance of other languages are gradually eroding Malayalam. The language is dying silently,” he warned.

“The primary duty of writers is to reclaim the language and resist the many forms of violence that threaten it. Globalisation itself has become the most pervasive form of violence. We live in a time when only those who praise authority are rewarded, while dissenting voices are silenced. Literature must remain the confluence of moral vision and aesthetic grace,” he said.

Awards given

The session for presenting the fellowships and Lifetime Achievement Awards was presided over by MLA P. Balachandran. Akademi executive committee member Alankode Leelakrishnan introduced the awardees, while executive member M.K. Manoharan read the citations. Vice president Ashokan Charuvil, executive committee member V.S. Bindu, Akademi secretary C.P. Aboobacker, and manager P.K. Mini spoke.

A discussion on “Languages within the Language,” featuring Sahitya Akademi Award winners, was held under the chairmanship of writer Kavumbai Balakrishnan. Akademi General Council member N. Rajan, and Publications Officer N.G. Nayanathara spoke.