Even though the Sahitya Akademi has passed a resolution condemning the growing intolerance in the country, several writers are still refusing to take back the awards they returned.
Reports say that though they welcome the stand by academy, they remain on their stand as the attacks on Dalits continue.
“It is good that the Sahitya Akademi passed a resolution condemning the incidents, but there is no change in the situation. Two Dalit kids were killed and recently, a Dalit teenager was found dead after being accused of stealing a pigeon. The BJP leaders had also made some irresponsible comments on the deaths. Instead of urging writers to take back the awards, the Akademi should have endorsed for a stronger stand against such incidents,” writer and activist Sarah Joseph told The New Indian Express.
Writer P K Parakkadavu, who had resigned from the General Council of the Kendra Sahitya Akademi, also said that he would not return to his resigned position