Kerala's liberal literary landscape is witnessing a furore over the withdrawal of 'Meesa,' a novel by S Hareesh, following widespread protests by Hindutva forces. In its third part, the novel discussed the sexual interests of women who regularly visit temples and the 'proficiency of priests in sexual matters'. This aroused a furore both on social and mainstream media with right-wing elements even threatening to cut the hands of the author, charging that the novel defamed Hindu worship practices.
In the wake of murder-threat raised by the Hindutva groups against Hareesh, acclaimed writer M Mukundan has proclaimed his support to the writer.
"Freedom is of several kinds. Like the freedom for women, freedom of religion and that of free movement within the territory, freedom of expression is also a significant aspect of a larger political necessity called freedom. Writers are being threatened and suppressed for expressing their thoughts and opinions. Things have changed so much from the time I started my literary career. I fear to practice free writing now," Mukundan had told Onmanorama on the sidelines of Manorama News Conclave in Kochi recently.
Read more: 'Meesa' author Hareesh vows to keep mum
Vaikom Muhammad Basheer's acclaimed 1967 novella titled 'Oru Bhagavad Gitayum Kure Mulakalum' wouldn't have seen light in the present circumstances, he pointed out. "Imagine how free, how uninterrupted a literary arena Kerala had back in our days. Do you think Basheer might be able to release it in today's social context? The work wouldn't have seen light if released today," according to him.
He also referred to the screenplay of 'Nirmalyam,' the award-winning film, by MT Vasudevan Nair. "The movie climaxes when a priest spits on the face of an idol placed in the sanctum sanctorum. Such free expression of thoughts is getting impossible in today's world. There is an urgent need to discuss the forces which block writers' freedom," he had said.
Freedom to revolt
Along with the right to free movement, expression and choice of religion, people should also be ensured with an uninterrupted freedom to revolt. "Freedom to organise, express and form groups should also be attributed with a sheer freedom to revolt and to protest. To retaliate is one of the basic rights of social animals. Revolution brings social change," he said.
Commenting on the ongoing debate on empowering woman, Mukundan noted that women had been denied of social freedom for centuries in our society. "Women have long been oppressed. I am happy that more voices are rising in support of gender equality and liberty," he had said.
Read more: Latest Kerala news
