Poet S. Ramesan Nair has quit Thapasya Art and Cultural Forum in protest against the “Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh’s attempt bid to curtail his creative and functional freedom.” Mr. Nair relinquished the president’s post, which he had been holding since 2012, citing RSS attempts to exercise absolute control over the organisation that was floated in 1975 to protect freedom of expression in art and literature.
The poet describes his decision as a modest, but firm expression of dissent against the manner in which the organisation is being appropriated by the Sangh leadership to infuse its cadre style of functioning, in contravention to the forum’s founding principles.
“An artist or a litterateur is one who explores new horizons of freedom and expression, providing a new sky for others of his ilk to soar, grow and develop. Those heading an organisation like Thapasya should have the freedom to pursue such initiatives. I was unwilling to function in a milieu which stifles my creative instincts and hence resolved to leave,” Mr. Nair told The Hindu on Sunday.
The poet, who translated Thirukkural from Tamil to Malayalam, said the RSS should not impose its tyranny on a cultural organisation, especially on a body founded for opening new vistas for creative freedom in art and literature.
“The Sangh is unwilling to let young blood and talent into its fold. It prefers a straitjacketed mode and needs only ‘yes men’ to head the show,” he says.
During his presidentship of five years, Mr. Nair says he had attempted to break new ground and nurture fresh talent.
This attempt did not go down well with the Sangh leadership and it cold-shouldered him, he says.
Prudence
“As Vinobha Bhave said new combat strategies demand powerful arms and a massive striking potential. If one realises that one is not duly armed to confront such organisational might, it is always prudent to bow out and seek fresh pastures. That is what I have done,” he says. The poet is currently translating Kamba Ramayanam.
