Veteran writer T. Padmanabhan recently delivered a sharp, satirical critique of a new government circular. The directive, which mandates the use of ‘respected’ before the names of the Chief Minister and other ministers, was met with Padmanabhan’s signature wit. He candidly remarked that he adheres to the term solely to avoid imprisonment, especially given his age.
Padmanabhan made these pointed comments during the inauguration of the ‘Walk Against Drugs’ campaign in Kannur on Friday, an event spearheaded by Congress leader Ramesh Chennithala under the banner of Proud Kerala.
He continued, “While I may not personally hold them in high esteem, I’ll dutifully add ‘respected’ when referring to ministers. Otherwise, one might find themselves in jail before even enduring a police beating. At my age, a single blow would likely be my end. So, to spare myself such an ordeal, I shall indeed use ‘respected’ when addressing ministers, even if I feel no genuine respect.” His mockery extended to playfully urging the ‘Honourable’ Excise Minister to deny permission for the proposed Elappully brewery.
The Department of Administrative Reforms had issued this circular on August 30, serving as a reminder to government employees to consistently use the honorific ‘honourable’ in all official communications, including replies to complaints and petitions, when referencing the Chief Minister or other ministers.
Although such honorifics are a common practice in official correspondence, this specific circular was reportedly issued after several official communications were found missing the prescribed titles.