Writers oppose Akademi amendment

Nineteen years ago, the Akademi barred general council members from seeking a second term. But in the face of opposition, this was diluted to allow re-entry after one term, or five years. Earlier, terms were for three years, and the office-bearers could get back faster.

Another amendment that was tabled said two consecutive terms would not be allowed for those who made it to the body under the category reserved for 8220;persons of eminence in the field of letters.8221; But members opposed the move as it seemed obvious that it was aimed at keeping noted Malayalam writer M T Vasudevan Nair out of the race for vice-presidentship.

Those opposed to Narang said he had packed the general body with members of his choice, who are likely to support him on his quest for a new term.

8220;As existing members can now enter the Akademi after a gap of five years there are more chances that Narang might get a third term as well,8221; commented a member.

Many members expressed surprise that Narang, as president, started the process of forming the new general body without calling for government nominees. There are three categories of nominations: from the government, from literary organisations, and universities.

8220;The Union Government has not yet sent its list of nominees as the Akademi has not asked for it,8221; commented a member.

As per the constitution the outgoing general council selects the members for the list recommendable by states and other bodies. The special meeting also increased the number of foreign fellows, eminent scholars selected from all over the world from five to 10.

The Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad of Pune is already protesting. It has stated that: 8220;Narang8217;s manipulations to retain the president8217;s post and his attempts to pressurise the head of a ex-president of the Marathi Sahitya Sammelan is highly objectionable, condemnable and deplorable.8221;

The reference is to Narang having persuaded Vijaya Rajadhaksha to recommend the name of Dyneshwar Mule, an IAS officer and Marathi poet based in New Delhi.

The Parishad alleges that Narang is trying to get members of his own group into the next general body of the Sahitya Akademi, who in turn will support him for the second term.

But this move created an unprecedented situation. In order to recommend Mule8217;s name, Marathi Sahitya Parishad had to bend its rule. However the backdoor entry of Mule created a flutter and the executive body of the Maharashtra Sahitya Parishad decided against recommending Mule.

The authorities of the Parishad and All-India Marathi Sahitya Mahamandal, the highest decision making body expressed deep concern about the said nomination, which is not only irregular but appeared to be made with malafide intentions,8221; said Madhavi Vaidya, Chief Secretary of the Parishad.

When contacted, Narang refused to comment.