'Pained and insulted', Mahasweta quits Bangla Akademi

Kolkata, May 23 (IANS) Eminent author and Paschimbanga Bangla Akademi chairperson Mahasweta Devi Wednesday announced her decision to quit the post after a name recommended by her for the prestigious Vidyasagar Purashkar was removed.

'I have decided to quit. The Akademi had unanimously chosen two people for the Vidyasagar Puraskar, but one of names has been unjustly removed. I had recommended both the names. I am feeling very insulted. Never before in my life have I faced such ignominy,' said the Magsaysay Award winner.

'The Akademi members who were present while finalising the names for the award had unanimously agreed. I am pained to see that the name which I recommended has been removed,' said the author of the acclaimed 'Hajar Churashir Ma' (Mother of the 1084th).

She also complained of not getting any recognition from the Akademi. 'I have been given several awards but never got any recognition from the Akademi,' said Mahasweta Devi, adding that she will tender her resignation soon.

The Paschimbanga Bangla Akademi, popularly known as Bangla Akademi, is the official regulatory body of the Bengali language in West Bengal. The Vidyasagar Puraskar is given by the Akademi for literary excellence.