'Such an act would not really serve any purpose. Instead the Akademi should concentrate on promoting great literature'.

Noted writer Joe D’ Cruz, on Monday, said the Sahitya Akademi should remain out of politics and concentrate on promoting great literature.

Speaking to The Hindu over phone in the context of several writers returning their award on the ground that the Akademi was not taking a strong stand against the rising intolerance in the country, Mr. Cruz said such an act would not really serve any purpose. “When such an incident (intolerance) happens, we need to go to the micro level and look at the cause and then work to create awareness so that it does not happen again,” he said, wondering why writers did not return awards in the past when similar incidents occurred.

Mr. D’Cruz said the act of returning the award could be seen as an attempt at “self projection.”

“We have an entire criminal justice system to deal with incidents of violence. It is important that we let the system function independently,” he said.

The writer, who won the Sahitya Akademi award for his novel Korkai in 2013 and who is also the president of the Samskrita Bharati (North Tamil Nadu), slammed those who link every incident of violence in the country to Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“A seed has been sown to grow a massive and strong tree. Even before the tree could sprout, there is an attempt to pour hot water on it. Mr. Modi is taking efforts to make India shine in the comity of nations. This process will take time to become visible,” he pointed out.