Writer Bhava Chellathurai has criticised the announcement of the Jnanpith award for poet-lyricist Vairamuthu, calling it “a shame on India.” He said the issue goes beyond Tamil literature and reflects poorly at the national level.
The award announcement has triggered a fresh controversy. One section has questioned whether an award should be given to Vairamuthu in the backdrop of sexual harassment allegations, while another has argued that his writing should not be considered literature.
Earlier, writer Jeyamohan strongly condemned the decision, describing the award as an insult to Tamil. Several literary voices have expressed support for his view.
In his social media post, Bhava Chellathurai said the Jnanpith for Vairamuthu is not an embarrassment for Tamil alone, and urged people to look at the award’s India-level list so far, calling the episode “India’s disgrace.”
