LikeHitya Academy has been considered to be the most prestigious literary institution in India. It is not only a government body but also a symbol of diverse traditions of languages and literature. In such a situation, when the top officials of this institution are accused of serious sexual harassment and the court establishes that he has misused his position, it is not only personal moral failure but a blot on the whole literary society. The Delhi High Court has clearly stated that the secretary of the academy falls under the category of employers under the defense of women from sexual harassment and the dismissal of the complainant was the result of vengeance. The court ordered him to be restored and also admitted that the academy disrupted the fair process. This comment does not indicate any simple administrative disturbance, but shows that Shakti within the institution was used to repression instead of protecting justice.
The victim’s allegations were not modest. He shared experiences such as unwanted touch, obscene comments and frequent sexual pressure. This was not a one -time incident but a series. Many people within the institute were familiar with this environment, yet remained silent. This silence makes the oppressor more bold and makes the victim more alone. The real power of literature is in his morality.
If the litterateurs run a pen on the injustice of the society but remain silent on the injustice of their own house, then the credibility of literature is lost. As long as the accused secretary remains in his post, participation in any event of the academy itself will be like being a part of the stigma. Taking prizes, reading poems or attending seminars as if we have to accept that we can ignore harassment. At this time there is a need for zero tolerance.
There can be no compromise on crimes like sexual harassment and caste oppression. When the top officer of the institution is accused and still remains in the post, the message goes that the institute is ready to cover the crime. This not only discourages the victim but also other women are afraid to file a complaint. This environment is fatal for the entire literary society. Even more worrying is that some publishers are still giving platform to such persons. He is being presented as a big writer, being honored in festivals and fairs. This trend is not only a matter of sales and profit, but it is like giving social recognition to the culture of oppression.
In such a situation, it is the responsibility of writers and readers to ask questions to such publishers. Literary dignity should be reflected not only in words but also in conduct. This is the time of the litigation of the writer society. Will we remain silent and cover injustice in the name of protecting the institution, or will stand for justice and respect. The reputation of the academy is not determined by his buildings and awards, it is determined by his transparency and moral conduct. If it is lost, then all the awards and ceremonies will remain only hollow rituals.
Writers will now have to take a clear stand. As long as the accused is on the post, there should be no participation in any program of the academy. This boycott will not only give a symbolic step but a clear message to the society that literature cannot compromise unjust. We also have to decide the way forward. Institutional reform is necessary, complaint committees should be made independent and their proceedings should be made public. Authors and readers should run moral boycott like movement.
Publishers should be asked for accountability and make the entire cultural landscape sensitive. This is not only a question of the academy but the whole society. This crisis reminds us that position and power cannot make anyone above law and morality. If the accused remains in his post, then it is not only the victim but an insult to the whole literary society. Writers, poets, critics and readers will now have to say that we cannot stand with injustice.
Literature will be able to show its real power only when he asks power and stands fearlessly against exploitation. If we fail in this exam, then the coming generations will remember us as a coward and silent society. But if we stand with courage, then literature will be able to become a watchman of justice and dignity along with words. This is the real identity of literature and this is our collective responsibility.
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