Kerala’s Cultural Affairs Minister, Saji Cherian, has firmly dismissed claims made by Kerala Kalamandalam Chancellor Mallika Sarabhai regarding political interference in the institution’s staffing. Speaking to the press on Wednesday, the Minister highlighted that if any such issues were indeed present, the Chancellor possesses the full authority to address and rectify them herself.
In response to Ms. Sarabhai’s sharp critique about an alleged crisis stemming from unqualified staff, Mr. Cherian challenged her to provide evidence of any politically motivated appointments. He quipped, ‘Kalamandalam is a renowned institution dedicated to dance and music, not an email office,’ directly addressing her earlier comment that many employees reportedly couldn’t even compose a basic email in English.
Ms. Sarabhai had recently brought forth serious allegations, stating that the institution’s progress was being stifled by rampant politicization and insufficient funding. She claimed that while political loyalists were being appointed, many lacked the fundamental skills necessary for the institution to operate effectively, famously adding, ‘Aside from the Vice-Chancellor and Registrar, not a single person here knows how to send an email.’ Her outspoken remarks have reportedly placed the ruling LDF government in a challenging position, especially given that she was appointed by the government after the Governor’s removal from the Chancellor post.