Chennai: A group of 230 Tamil writers has issued a joint statement condemning the announcement of the Jnanpith award for film lyricist Vairamuthu, calling it an insult to the award’s stature and to Tamil literary tradition.
The statement argues that the Jnanpith, seen as one of India’s highest literary honours, should recognise not only creative achievement but also moral responsibility and social values. The signatories said the decision undermines the credibility and ethical weight associated with the award.
They also questioned Vairamuthu’s literary standing, describing his work as largely commercial and oriented towards the film industry, and claimed it does not reflect the deeper cultural and ethical values of Tamil society.
Citing the MeToo movement, the writers said 17–18 women have publicly alleged sexual misconduct by Vairamuthu, and argued that honouring someone facing such allegations conflicts with contemporary commitments to women’s rights and equality. The statement further referred to past controversy around an ONV literary award announcement, noting that a Kerala cultural body had earlier withdrawn its decision amid protests, and urged the Jnanpith committee to take that precedent into account.
