The ONV Cultural Academy has mentioned that it has determined to overview the choice to grant the fifth ONV Literary Prize to Tamil poet-lyricist Vairamuthu. In a press release issued on May 28, ONV Cultural Academy chairman and famend filmmaker Adoor Goaplakrishan mentioned the choice to overview this yr’s award was taken following solutions from the jury. “At the instance of the selection committee, the award is now under reconsideration,” mentioned the assertion.
The Academy is reconsidering its earlier determination following the protest from varied corners because the Tamil lyricist is accused of sexual harassment by 17 girls, together with singer Chinmayi. The determination of the academy to give the fifth ONV Literary Prize to Vairamuthu was introduced on May 26. Following this, Chinmayi, in a tweet, made a sarcastic touch upon the choice, stating, “Wow. Late Mr. ONV Kurup can be proud.”
Soon, many members of the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC) questioned the jury’s decision to confer the award on the poet who has faced a number of allegations of sexual harassment.
Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is the Chief Patron of the ONV Cultural Academy while noted writer MT Vasudevan Nair and singer KJ Yesudas are the patrons. Eminent personalities from various fields like Dr.MK Muneer, Benoy Viswam MP, and RS Babu are part of the Academy.
The award, being given to poets from Malayalam and other Indian languages by the ONV Cultural Academy, comprises a cash prize of Rs 3,00,000 and a citation. Noted critic M Leelavathi had bagged the award last year.
Celebrities including Malayalam actor Parvathy Thiruvothu had also criticised the jury for choosing to honour Vairamuthu with the prestigious award constituted in the memory of legendary poet ONV Kurup.
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