Kerala Chief Secretary Ms. Sarada Muraleedharan (1990-batch IAS officer, Kerala cadre) has delivered a powerful response to colourist remarks aimed at her, declaring that “Black Can Absorb Anything.” Her statement has resonated widely, shutting down critics and addressing deep-seated prejudices.
Also Read: Who Is IAS Sarada Muraleedharan, Who Speaks Out Against Color Bias in Powerful Facebook Post
The controversy arose when a social media post compared her leadership to that of her predecessor and husband, Mr. V. Venu (1990-batch IAS officer, Kerala cadre), stating that her tenure was “as black as his was white.” In response, Ms. Muraleedharan took to Facebook, embracing her identity and dismantling the negative connotations attached to dark skin.
She wrote, “Black is the all-pervasive truth of the universe. Black is that which can absorb anything, the most powerful pulse of energy known to humankind. It is the colour that works on everyone, the dress code for office, the lustre of evening wear, the essence of kajol, the promise of rain.”
She also highlighted the gendered subtext of such comments, emphasizing that being labeled “black” carried an additional layer of discrimination as a woman in leadership. “It was about being labelled black (with that quiet subtext of being a woman), as if that were something to be desperately ashamed of,” she stated.
The IAS Association strongly condemned the prejudice, issuing a statement on X: “A person’s true worth is known by her actions and achievements, not by the colour of skin. The Association also strongly condemns the attempts to intimidate an upright officer through such petty and uncivilized comments. Let’s all stand against deep-rooted prejudices and celebrate diversity.”
The episode sheds light on the longstanding bias against dark skin in Indian society, where fairness is often associated with superiority. Ms. Muraleedharan’s strong rebuttal has sparked a broader conversation on colorism and gender biases that persist in the country.
