No festival in India pays writers'; Satchidanandan in remuneration controversy again

THRISSUR: Kerala Sahitya Academy president K Satchidanandan came to the fore with another explanation on the remuneration controversy regarding Balachandran Chullikad. The committee's attempt was to give something symbolic to the partners even if expenses are cut short. Satchidanandan in a Facebook post said that some issues that arose at the office level are being resolved over the remuneration.

‘We are aware of the deficiencies. A meeting will be convened to evaluate. Money was not enough to convene five hundred writers for seven days and hold more than one hundred sessions. No festival in India like JLF and KLF gives any remuneration to the writers,’ said Satchidanandan.

Satchidanandan’s words
We are inspired by the wide response to the international literary festival organized by the academy. Thanks to everyone who informed their wishes. We are well aware of the shortcomings. A meeting is also held to evaluate. Money was not enough to convene five hundred writers for seven days and hold more than one hundred sessions. No festival in India like JLF, KLF etc. gives any remuneration to the writers. The committee's attempt was to provide something symbolic to the partners even if expenses are cut short. Some of the problems that occurred at the office level are being resolved during the journey. Thanks again.

Meantime, Balachandran Chullikadu's remarks against the Kerala Sahitya Academy had stoked a controversy. He had revealed that the Academy had invited him to talk on Kumaranasan’s Karuna on the morning of January 30 and paid him Rs 2,400 for speaking for two hours. This was posted on Facebook by his friend CICC Jayachandran quoting Balachandran Chullikad. The post said the cost of traveling from Ernakulam to Thrissur and including waiting charges was Rs 3500.