MARGAO
In a fresh twist to Vishnu Wagh's book Sudirsukt, writer Prakash Naik on Saturday alleged manipulation and fixing behind the inclusion of the controversial book in the list of 25 books shortlisted by the Goa Konkani Academy for the award.
Prakash also directed his ire at Sahitya Akademi winner and noted writer N Shivdas, blaming him for giving a casteist colour to the ongoing controversy, demanding that the Akademi should take back the award given to Shivdas for raking up the caste row.
Addressing the media
In a fresh twist to Vishnu Wagh's book Sudirsukt, writer Prakash Naik on Saturday alleged manipulation and fixing behind the inclusion of the controversial book in the list of 25 books shortlisted by the Goa Konkani Academy for the award.
Prakash also directed his ire at Sahitya Akademi winner and noted writer N Shivdas, blaming him for giving a casteist colour to the ongoing controversy, demanding that the Akademi should take back the award given to Shivdas for raking up the caste row.
Addressing the media
in the presence of freedom fighter and writer Gurunath Kelekar and women's rights activist Auda Viegas on Saturday, Prakash pointed out that Sudirsukt book did not figure in the list of 61 books which were initially shortlisted for the award. "We also do not know how the list was later restricted to 25 books. We are told that these 25 books were shortlisted by two students of the Goa University. We have no idea what was the criteria adopted to shortlist the 25 books," he questioned.
Prakash pointed out that Sudirsukt was included in the list of 25 books only at a later stage by judges, who were either close to Vishu Wagh or had no idea
and background about
literature.
"I have all the documents obtained under the RTI which shows that there was alleged manipulation and fixing behind the inclusion of Sudirsukt book in the list of 25 books," he claimed.
Lashing out at noted writer N Shivdas, Prakash, who hails from Savoi-Verem, said, "N Shivdas has portrayed an impression that certain high class people are targeting Wagh because he hails from the Bhandari Samaj. I am also a Bhandari and I don't understand why Shivdas is trying to give a casteist colour to the
entire issue."
He demanded that the Sahitya Akademi should withdraw the national award given to N Shivdas for raking up the casteist controversy over Sudirsukt.
Prakash pointed out that Sudirsukt was included in the list of 25 books only at a later stage by judges, who were either close to Vishu Wagh or had no idea
and background about
literature.
"I have all the documents obtained under the RTI which shows that there was alleged manipulation and fixing behind the inclusion of Sudirsukt book in the list of 25 books," he claimed.
Lashing out at noted writer N Shivdas, Prakash, who hails from Savoi-Verem, said, "N Shivdas has portrayed an impression that certain high class people are targeting Wagh because he hails from the Bhandari Samaj. I am also a Bhandari and I don't understand why Shivdas is trying to give a casteist colour to the
entire issue."
He demanded that the Sahitya Akademi should withdraw the national award given to N Shivdas for raking up the casteist controversy over Sudirsukt.
