Kannada writer T K Dayanand refuses to accept state award, citing intolerance

BENGALURU: The outpouring against intolerance in India is not done yet. Kannada writer, journalist and filmmaker T K Dayanand on Friday refused to accept the award announced for his work Ratrinakshatra by the Karnataka Sahitya Academy, citing the atmosphere of intolerance and fear in the country in the cultural sector.

He has also said that he is unhappy with the lack of progress in capturing the killers of Kannada scholar M M Kalburgi who was shot dead on his doorstep in the culture-rich city of Dharwad on August 30. Karnataka’s criminal investigation department (CID) is looking into the case.

"A humane individual and house elder was killed in broad daylight and it has not been punished. There is a funeral atmosphere in the houses of all human beings. Any one who questions majoritarian beliefs faces murderous attacks and death threats all across the country?

The government keeps dumb and blind. In this situation, I cannot go sit in a government-erected shamiyana (tent), accept awards and relish the feast they provide? I cringe at the thought of it?," Dayanand said in a hard-hitting letter to the Karnataka Sahitya Academy president. The awards are to be given to the recipients in a public function on Saturday.

Karnataka’s home minister G Parameshwara told ET that the case of Dr Kalburgi was being investigated with total seriousness by the CID. "We are treating it as a special case and a priority one. We have achieved a breakthrough and found similarities with the killings of rationalist Narendra Dhabolkar and activist Govindrao Pansare. The killings, however are extremely well planned, so we are taking some time to capture the culprits," he said.

Parameshwara appealed to Dayanand to accept the state government sponsored award. "I assure him that we will definitely capture the culprits behind the killing of Dr Kalburgi. I request him not to take such a stand and to accept the award given to him," he said.