Kerala Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan recently ignited a debate on social media about racial and gender discrimination by sharing on Facebook that her leadership after succeeding her husband, V Venu, was unjustly compared in a racially charged manner. Someone, unnamed, remarked that her leadership was “as black” as her husband’s was white when she assumed the role in August 2024.
Muraleedharan initially shared a post about overcoming the negative connotations associated with being labeled black, especially as a woman. Despite initially removing the post due to overwhelming responses, she later reposted it to spark further discussion. She expressed that her motivation behind the post was the belief that she was in a position to challenge discrimination against the color black.
Muraleedharan once questioned her mother about being reborn with fair skin, influenced by the idea that fairness equated to beauty and value for many years. Admitting she felt confined by this belief, her children played a key role in guiding her towards accepting and celebrating their darker skin tone.
Muraleedharan’s post sparked discussions on societal prejudice against dark skin, drawing praise from Kerala’s Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan. CPI(M) MP K Radhakrishnan highlighted the importance of raising awareness and combating discrimination, echoed by Chintha Jerome, Kerala State Youth Commission chairperson, who emphasized overlooked misogyny and regressive mindsets in society.
Muralidheeran, a 1990 batch IAS officer, led the Kudumbashree Mission (2006-2012) empowering women and promoting human rights. She has also served as Trivandrum’s District Collector and worked in various departments, including Scheduled Caste Development. Her experience includes roles such as the Chief Operating Officer at National Rural Livelihoods Mission till December 2013.
Sources News From Various Digital Platforms, Websites, Journalists, And Agencies.
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