Sethu’s works reflect the conflicts faced by individuals, society: Chief Minister

Presenting the writer with the Ezhuthachan Puraskaram, Pinarayi says Sethu gained acceptance through his writings and stance on issues

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan presenting the Ezhuthachan Award to writer Sethu in Kochi on Saturday. | Photo Credit: THULASI KAKKAT

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has said that writer Sethu’ s works had portrayed the moral dilemmas of people and society effectively. Mr. Sethu has gained acceptance through his writings and stance on various issues, he said after presenting the Ezhuthachan Puraskaram 2022 instituted by the government to the writer here on Saturday.

Mr. Vijayan said that Mr. Sethu’s works like Kiratham, Nananja Mannu, Pandavapuram, Ariyatha Vazhikal, and Adayalangal had reflected the varied emotions of individuals and the society. Mr. Sethu has been able to deliver in his official roles and also in writing with characteristic ease, he said.

Mr. Vijayan recalled that Ezhuthachan will always be remembered for modernising the Malayalam language along with undertaking social reforms through his writings. His works have been able to spread light in a society caught in the web of caste and other social inequalities.

Writer’s response

Mr. Sethu said that bigger languages continued to have an upper hand over the small ones. The cultural values and local knowledge will take a hit, if efforts are made to sideline various languages, he said.

The writer pointed out that Hindi language has a prominence in the country. Around 30% of the people speak Hindi. However, we should not forget that the remaining 70% speak other languages, he said.