Kochi: The ‘poetic licence’ used by a writer in a school magazine triggered a furore from right wing groups and the school had to withdraw the magazine and offer an apology. The row was over a Malayalam poem written by a teacher of the Baselius Augen Public School, Kodanad, near Perumbavur, on Sita in the Hindu epic Ramayana, in Baselian, the annual school magazine for the year 2015-16.
In the poem titled ‘Sita the Lie,’ the author argues that ‘Sita’ who was an embodiment of penance, chastity and purity, was a “lie” as despite her qualities, she achieved nothing, while “Soorpanaka,” another character who openly showcased her love and lust, is the truth. However, the matter turned into a major controversy with right wing outfits protesting against the poem, especially the last part which says “many crucifixions were over and the resurrection on the third day…that’s the truth” (translated from Malayalam).
“The poem goes against the spirit of tolerance towards another religion. The teacher was trying to please the management by including the last part which says only one religion is true. Even we can digest the first two parts given that it is the author’s freedom to interpret,” said Jishnu Pisharadi, former joint secretary of ABVP. However, noted writer Sarah Joseph cautioned that the writer should be given freedom of expression and that one should not go by the plain literary meaning.
“The first two parts is her viewpoint of the epic. Such different analysis and interpretation should be done to highlight the issues of changing times,” Sarah Joseph said. When contacted, the school authorities said they withdrew the magazine and tendered public apology on social media. “We apologise over the issue and avoid such things in the future,” reads the apology letter signed by Principal M.H. Soorya.
