Kochi: Noted writer and professor MK Sanu on Friday said he was unable to attend the ceremony where actor Suresh Gopi was bestowed with the Pandit Karuppan Award. Speaking to media persons here, Sanu said, “It was not intentional. I couldn’t attend (the ceremony). Such a situation occurred.” 

The writer’s remark comes amid the recent controversy surrounding the Purogamana Kala Sahitya Sangham (Progressive Arts and Literary Organisation). There were reports alleging that the Sangham had banned Sanu from participating in the award distribution ceremony. Nevertheless, Sanu was not ready to openly state that he was banned by the organisation. 

“Suresh Gopi is the son of Gyanalaxmi, who was my student in school. She was a studious and well-mannered girl. I have always had that affection for Suresh Gopi and still do so,” Sanu said. 

Several media reports stated that the writer himself had decided against attending the ceremony. Earlier, Joshy Donbosco, Ernakulam secretary of the Sangham, also stated that the professor had reached the decision on his own.  

Meanwhile, Suresh Gopi slammed the Kala Sahitya Sangham and said, “If the Sangham sees the murders of TP Chandrasekharan, Kripesh, and Sarath Lal as qualities of luminaries, then I don’t possess such qualities.”

The announcement of granting ‘Pandit Karuppan Award’ to pro-RSS and BJP leader Suresh Gopi had triggered mixed responses. Some claim that the move was an insult to the social reformer.