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HomePoliticsThere’s a sense of fear among writers after Gauri Lankesh’s murder: Perumal...

There’s a sense of fear among writers after Gauri Lankesh’s murder: Perumal Murugan

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Tamil author, who was hounded by Right-wing groups over his controversial novel, says freedom of expression must be upheld and all types of books should be given space in society.

Chennai: Tamil author Perumal Murugan, who was hounded by Right-wing groups over his controversial novel, Madhorubagan (One Part Woman) a few years ago, says there is a sense of fear among writers in the country in the wake of Bengaluru journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh’s murder.

“There is an atmosphere of fear in the country and we can sense it. Writers and journalists today are afraid of expressing their thoughts,” Murugan told ThePrint in an exclusive interview.

“All types of writing should be given space in society. Recently, I read an essay on Mahatma Gandhi’s opinion on freedom of expression and I was impressed by his views. Gandhi said that even a rumour should be given space,” Murugan said.

Published in 2010, Madhorubagan got mired in a controversy when it was translated into English by Aniruddhan Vasudevan three years later. The story revolves around a childless couple’s struggle for parenthood in a caste-based society. To bear a child, the woman takes part in consensual sex, permitted on the night of a temple festival.

Murugan, 51, came under attack from Right-wing, caste-based groups which alleged that he had hurt the sentiments of Hindus. Eventually, he announced he was abandoning his literary career on his Facebook page. In July last year, the Madras High court dismissed a criminal case against Murugan and upheld his rights.

Murugan, however, believes it is not possible to exclude caste in writings because the “caste system is intrinsic to society”. “Caste cannot be eradicated by hiding it,” he said. The author is of the view that caste can only be abolished when society is determined to speak about it openly, but fears that the possibility of a suitable environment that allows freedom of expression is “doubtful”.

He nonetheless emphasised the importance of caste-based reservations in India, at least for a few more years, so that marginalised groups get better job opportunities.

Murugan also highlighted how readers, especially the youth, have increased in numbers after the advent of technology. He said youths today are interested in reading ideology-driven works. “Youths are interested in political books.”

Asked about his view on the ‘Hindi versus Tamil’ controversy, Murugan, who teaches Tamil in the Government Arts College, Attur (Salem), said no language should be imposed on anyone. “Every language born on earth has a purpose and every language has to live, that’s my wish.” He however said he strongly supports a system of teaching children in their mother tongues and suggests they could learn other languages as per their need and wish.

While Tamil Nadu politics is in ferment and questions have been raised over the relevance of its Dravidian roots, Murugan said the state has a number of achievements that can be linked to governments run by Dravidian parties. “You can see that by comparing Tamil Nadu with other states,” he added.

Responding to another question that is making headlines in Tamil Nadu politics – the entry of film stars such as Rajinikanth and Kamal Hassan into politics, the writer said, “Anybody who has interest and involvement in politics should join it.” But the response comes with a caveat: actors should not use their mass popularity as a tool to enter public life.

Murugan’s next book, The Goat Thief, is a collection of short stories and is being published by Juggernaut.

 

 

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