When you speak uncomfortable truths, you pay with blood: Dr. Meena Kandasamy in Mangaluru
Fifth PP Gomathi Memorial Lecture held
Mangaluru: Dr. Meena Kandasamy, a noted writer, poet, and anti-caste activist, delivered an incisive fifth PP Gomathi memorial lecture on ‘Writing for Resistance’ at Sahodaya, Mangaluru, on Tuesday. The event was organized by the PP Gomathi Memorial Education Trust in collaboration with the Karnataka Theological Research Institute. Addressing the audience, Dr. Kandasamy delved into the perilous intersection of writing, resistance, and censorship in contemporary India, drawing attention to the struggles faced by writers who dare to speak uncomfortable truths.
Dr. Kandasamy opened her speech by expressing gratitude to the organizers and acknowledging the sacrifices of late writers M.M. Kalburgi and Gauri Lankesh, both of whom were assassinated for their fearless expressions of dissent. “When you speak uncomfortable truths, you pay with blood,” she remarked, emphasizing the deadly consequences writers in India face for their boldness.
She lamented the current environment where dissent is stifled, and critical voices are labeled as threats to the nation. “Why is it that writers are either killed or imprisoned?” she asked, highlighting how the state equates the pens of activists and writers to the guns of insurgents by branding them as “Urban Naxals.” She warned that such comparisons legitimize the state’s persecution of dissenting voices.
Dr. Kandasamy further criticized the misuse of state machinery, such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), to silence political figures and activists. She said these agencies, originally intended to uphold justice, have become tools of suppression, adding that writers increasingly find themselves victims of censorship.
Reflecting on the vital role of storytelling, she noted the heavy burden placed on individuals who protest against injustice. “When people are already burdened by protesting, why do we want to burden them further with the responsibility of telling their stories? That is where writers play a crucial role,” she said. According to her, storytelling is not just an act of resistance but a necessary means to expose injustices and amplify voices that often go unheard.
In a poignant observation, Dr. Kandasamy stated, “In this country, even reading is resistance, not just writing,” urging the audience to critically engage with literature in a time of widespread repression.
She cited the example of Mohammed Zubair, a journalist and fact-checker who has faced multiple legal challenges for exposing hate speech. She pointed out how he is being accused of compromising India’s sovereignty, unity, and integrity, epitomizing the growing trend of portraying truth-tellers as enemies of the state.
The lecture concluded with a call for resilience among writers and readers alike. Dr. Kandasamy expressed hope that those who speak the truth, expose injustices, and offer solace to the oppressed would be recognized as the true patriots.
The event commenced with a welcome note by Prof. KP Vasudev, who introduced Dr. Kandasamy to the audience. Christopher George, Director of Karnataka Theological Research Institute, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude for the insightful session. Dr. B Srinivas Kakkilaya, coordinated the event while media scholar Sindhu Manjesh was also present on the dias.
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Kejriwal slams Centre over Delhi 'triple murder'
New Delhi (PTI): Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Wednesday launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led central government after three members of a family were found dead at their home in the national capital.
Describing the incident as "extremely painful and frightening," the AAP convener accused the Centre of allowing criminals a free hand and failing to ensure law and order in the capital.
"Three murders in the same house in Neb Sarai… This is extremely painful and frightening. Every day, Delhiites wake up to such frightening news. Criminals have been given a free hand, law and order has collapsed. Homes are being destroyed, innocent lives are being lost. And those who are responsible are silently watching all this happen," he wrote in a post on X.
"Will the central government keep quiet like this and watch the law and order situation in Delhi collapse? Will its party still say that crime is not an issue in Delhi?" he added.
The Delhi Police operates under the Union Ministry of Home Affairs.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi also launched a sharp attack on the ruling party, accusing it of failing to fulfil its responsibility of providing security to the residents.
"There was a triple murder in Neb Sarai this morning. Murders are happening in broad daylight in Delhi, bullets are being fired, drugs are being sold openly. The central government has only one responsibility in Delhi - to provide security to the people of Delhi. They have completely failed in their responsibility," she said.
Rajesh (55), his wife Komal (47), and their daughter Kavita (23) were allegedly stabbed to death at their home in Neb Sarai on Wednesday. According to the police, the bodies were discovered by the couple's son, Arjun, when he returned from his morning walk.
An investigation into the incident is underway.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has recently intensified its attack on the Centre, accusing it of neglecting Delhi's law and order situation ahead of the upcoming Delhi Assembly elections.
With a series of violent incidents making headlines, the party is positioning public safety as a key election issue, challenging the Centre's handling of security in the national capital.
