Kerala song controversy; 'Cultural secretary's suggestion', says Satchidanandan

THRISSUR: Sahitya Academy President K Satchidanandan revealed that the Culture Department's Secretary instructed Sahitya Academy Secretary CP Abu Bakar to collaborate on a Kerala song with Sreekumaran Thambi. Satchidanandan clarified on Facebook that he conveyed the facts directly to Thambi via email.

He emphasized that the decision not to participate in the Kerala song was made by a committee, which included the Culture Department's Secretary, and there was no breach of promise. Satchidanandan asserted that the project does not belong to the academy and new songs are still in progress, with the final decision resting with the government committee.

He criticized those portraying the matter as personal, emphasizing that it should be viewed objectively. Satchidanandan expressed no regrets for the misunderstanding and stated that the ongoing misinformation reveals the motives of the critics. The statement aims to clarify any misconceptions surrounding the controversy.