Even Malayali writers get drunk and engage in unruly practices in TN forests: Writer Jeyamohan
Sharjah: Renowned Tamil writer B Jeyamohan hit back at those who get provoked by criticism of their own identity, stating that such individuals lack substance. In a candid statement, he also mentioned that he has, on occasion, criticised Tamil culture, adding that he has no need for anyone's approval as a writer. "I have no issues with whatever anyone says about me," Jeyamohan asserted.
Jeyamohan's comments came during the Sharjah International Book Fair, where he was addressing the controversy surrounding his remarks about Malayali youth in the context of the 2024 film Manjummel Boys. Referring to his statement about Malayali youths being called "porukki" (unrefined), Jeyamohan clarified that his critique was not targeted at the Malayali or Tamil communities per se, but rather at actions deemed unethical. "In Tamil Nadu, liquor is banned in forests, and it is illegal to litter beer bottles in the wild. Making such actions seem normal by elevating them to a heroic status in films is a form of normalisation that should be strongly opposed," he remarked.
The writer also accused Malayalam writers of engaging in similar unruly practices during their visits to forests in Tamil Nadu.
He further explained that his use of the word "porukki" was meant to describe individuals who stand outside the boundaries of the law and social norms. "What I meant by 'porukki' was someone who does not follow the system, someone who is not within the law. I was specifically referring to the act of throwing bottles in the forest," he clarified.
Jeyamohan also expressed satisfaction at the growing awareness in Kerala regarding the environmental issue, saying, "It is heartening to see that more Malayalis now realise the problem of littering bottles in nature."
In his characteristic direct style, Jeyamohan reiterated that as a writer, he is not interested in seeking recognition or approval from any quarter. "I don't need anyone's validation as a writer. Whatever people say or think doesn’t matter to me," he concluded.