Eminent poet and short story writer Keki Daruwalla has joined the long list of those who are protesting against the Sahitya Akademi for its silence on the murder of writers. The former IPS officer and Padma Shri awardee, who won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1984, has written to the President of the Sahitya Akademi lamenting the lack of action after the murder of M.M. Kalburgi
Here is the full text of his letter:
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