Deepak Kesarkar, Minister for Marathi Language, has announced probe into the selection of Marathi translation of the original English book ‘Fractured Freedom: A Prison Memoir’ authored by Kobad Ghandy, expelled Politburo Member of CPI (Maoist). Taking cognisance of the furore following ‘The Hitavada’ report in this regard, Kesarkar ordered probe into the ‘entire episode’ of selection of the book for the State Government’s award. “The Chairman of the expert committee did neither discuss the selection of the said Marathi book nor point out the original content. Hence, I have ordered probe into the entire episode,” read a statement issued by Kesarkar through Directorate General of Information and Public Relations, Maharashtra Government.

 

“There is freedom of writing in the field of literature. However, there are certain restrictions. Though there is no ban on the original English book ‘Fractured Freedom: A Prison Memoir’, we cannot tolerate glorification of Naxalism. Because, Maharashtra is the first State to have cracked down on Naxalism,” Kesarkar added. The recruitment by Naxalites from among the tribals has come to a halt. In such a situation, Kesarkar stated, some people were creating literature to project ‘urban Naxalism’ as ‘something different’. “Society cannot pardon such people. State Government cannot allow glorification of Naxalism. Hence, the probe has been ordered. Once the probe report is received, decision regarding necessary action shall be taken,” he made it clear. ‘The Hitavada’ had highlighted that a row had erupted on social media over Marathi Language Department of Maharashtra Government announcing the Late Yashwantrao Chavan State Literature Awards-2021 including ‘Tarktirth Laxmanshasatri Joshi Puraskar’ announced to Anagha Lele for her Marathi translation of Kobad Ghandy’s book ‘Fractured Freedom: A Prison Memoir’.

 

The Marathi translation is published by Lokwangmay Gruha, Mumbai. Legal Rights Observatory had called the announcement as ‘outrageous’ and had urged Eknath Shinde, Chief Minister of Maharashtra, and Devendra Fadnavis, Deputy Chief Minister, to put on hold the award to the Marathi book. It also tagged several top personalities including Bhagat Singh Koshyari, Governor of Maharashtra, and others. Meanwhile, Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad’s Maharashtra unit also condemned the State Government’s decision to announce award to the book glorifying the Maoist ideology and provide official recognition to it. “A suspicion is raised about the committee recommending the award to the said book. Hence, the Government must scrap the award declared to the said book, and also dismiss the committee. Also, to avoid such mistakes in future, the Government should take action against the members of the awards committee,” demanded Dr Narendra Pathak, State Working President of Akhil Bharatiya Sahitya Parishad.