This refers to the article, “Giving legitimacy to battle of the fringes” (October 16) by Shobori Ganguli. It is said that literature is the mirror of a society and its values. Therefore, writers and poets are held in high esteem. They are perceived to be free from all prejudices.
Though it is true that the recent happenings, wherein the writers have returned their awards, is unfortunate, it is also true that the intention behind the sudden surge cannot be above suspicion, unless the writer answers the allegations that are put against him/her. It is questionable as to why such actions were not taken in the past, when worse incidents took placeIJ Is it possible that at that moment, they were afraid or that their conscience was not so sensitive enoughIJ
Unless a due explanation is put across, the whole act will seem to be politically motivated. This is more disheartening than the heinous acts which these laureates are condemning, because a biased writer/poet can do more harm to a society than isolated incidences.