CPI(M) leader Swaraj declines Sahitya Akademi Award

Thiruvananthapuram | CPI(M) leader M Swaraj on Thursday publicly declined a Kerala Sahitya Akademi award, reaffirming his long-standing personal decision not to accept any form of recognition for his work--be it in politics or literature.

He had won the Sibi Kumar Endowment Award in the essay category for his book "Pookkalude Pusthakam."

Swaraj, a member of the CPI(M) state secretariat and a former MLA, said he was only informed about the award late on Thursday as he had spent the entire day attending the party state committee meeting.

"I've always had a firm stance of not accepting awards of any kind," Swaraj said in a statement.

"In the past, when some trusts and committees considered me for honours, I had quietly informed them of my position. That's why there was no need for a public announcement then," he said in a Facebook post.

However, with news of the Akademi award making headlines, he said a public response had become necessary this time.

"I repeat my position--whether it's public work or literary contribution, I will never accept awards in my life. I extend only my respect to the Akademi," he added.

Swaraj, a former leader the SFI and a well known orator, was the CPI(M)'s candidate for the recent Nilambur Assembly by-election. He lost the closely-watched contest to Congress candidate Aryadan Shoukath.