The collective said Vairamuthu’s writings are nowhere close to reflecting Tamil society’s core values or its long-cherished cultural pride.
A Collective of Tamil Creators, Readers, and Social Activists have urged that the Jnanpith Award to Vairamuthu be withdrawn immediately.
The letter with 230 signatories, including writer Ambai, poet Sukumaran and actor Rohini among others, pointed out that granting this award to an undeserving individual would irrevocably erode the credibility and dignity of the award in the future.
“Vairamuthu’s writings are nowhere close to reflecting Tamil society’s core values or its long-cherished cultural pride. Instead, his literary identity is defined by lowbrow writing, adorned with superficial and ornate rhetoric. Bestowing such a high honour upon a commercial writer basking in mere wordplay, whose works fail to reflect the genuine emotions of the people, is an insult to true literary stalwarts,” the letter stated.
Noting that through the #MeToo movement nearly 18 women had publicly accused Vairamuthu of sexual harassment, they said that awarding an individual burdened with such long-standing moral stains is at odds with the ethos of a modern society that champions women’s rights.
The letter also pointed out the ONV Literary Award had been announced for Vairamuthu and the Kerala Cultural Academy (KCA), which was set to confer the award, withdrew its decision after protests. “It is essential for the Jnanpith committee to consider this moral precedent set by KCA. Since it is contrary to literary ethics to bestow a prestigious honour upon an individual facing such serious allegations, the Jnanpith committee may take its cue from this precedence and withdraw its decision,” it said.
Published – March 20, 2026 12:33 am IST
