Tamil lyricist Vairamuthu became the centre of controversy when his comments sparked uproar and drew criticism. While receiving an award, he took from Kamba Ramayana, the Tamil version of Ramayana, and referred to a verse spoken by Vaali, a character in the scripture.
Vairamuthi went on to quote Kambar’s version of the epic and how Vaali questioned Lord Ram’s actions.The character highlighted the difference in Lord Ram’s behaviour as a king versus during his exile. Vaali’s comment came after Ram, who once surrendered his own kingdom for his brother, chose instead to give Vaali’s kingdom in the forest to Vaali’s brother. Poet Vairamuthu quoted Vaali, suggesting that Ram’s actions might be forgiven as he had “lost his mind” after Sita’s abduction.
Who is Vairamuthu?
Vairamuthu, 72, is a Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan awardee in consecutive years. He also won a Nation Film Award for Best Lyricist among six others. The award where he made these comments from the Kambar Ramayan was just another feather in his cap. A decorated author and lyricist, Vairamuthu is a celebrated name in the Tamil literary world. Working in the film industry since 1980, he has given four decades and written over 7,500 songs in his career.
Interpreting the verse, Vairamuthu said further, “Losing Sita, Raman has lost his mind. Someone who has lost his mind committing a crime is not considered a crime as per Indian Penal Code (IPC). Section 84 of the IPC states that an offence committed by a person who is insane cannot be considered a crime. I don’t know if Kambar knew the IPC but he knew the society.”
He explained that, in this context, Ram was “an accused who was acquitted,” forgiven for his actions and seen as human, while Kamban “became God.” Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and former Union Minister S Jagathrakshagan were also in attendance at the time Vairamuthu made these controversial comments.
‘Does the CM accept Vairamuthu’s comments?’
Sparking uproar, these comments were not received well by the opposition government in Tamil Nadu. BJP president Nainar Narendran termed these remarks “unacceptable” and questioned whether CM Stalin accepted “Vairamuthu’s comments”. The party also called Vairamuthu a “repeat offender” rehashing the comments he made on Andal, a Hindu Goddess. BJP spokesperson Narayanan Thirupathy called Vairamuthu “a fool” and “someone who has lost his mind”.
Responding to the uproar, Vairamuthu’s team defended him and said that his comments were solely a “literary interpretation”, denying a religious discourse in the matter. They stated that it was an “anti-Vairamuthu mindset” after his comments received large criticism.