What is the debate around Kerala chief secretary's skin color
What's the story
Kerala Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan recently sparked a major debate on social media about racial and gender discrimination.
In a long Facebook post, Muraleedharan shared that after taking over as Kerala's chief secretary from her husband, V Venu, her leadership was compared to his in a way that suggested racial overtones.
"It is as black as my husband's was white," a person, who she did not name, told her right after taking over the role in August 2024.
Personal account
Muraleedharan's social media post on discrimination
In the post, Muraleedharan wrote, "It was about being labelled black (with that quiet sub text of being woman), as if that were something to be desperately ashamed of."
Overwhelmed by responses, she removed the post but later decided to share it again for discussion.
"What motivated me to write the Facebook post was that if someone could wage a battle against the discrimination toward black colour, it would be me sitting in this position," she told reporters.
Childhood memories
Muraleedharan's reflections on color prejudice
Muraleedharan also recounted a childhood memory: when she asked her mother if she could be "born again" with fair skin.
For over five decades, she absorbed the belief that fairness meant beauty and worth.
"I have lived buried under that narrative," she admitted, but it was her children who helped her unlearn and embrace their dark skin with confidence.
Support
Responses to Muraleedharan's post
Muraleedharan's post struck a chord, igniting discussions on societal prejudice against dark skin.
Kerala's Leader of Opposition VD Satheesan congratulated her for bringing to light colorism in Kerala society.
CPI(M) MP K Radhakrishnan stressed the need to create awareness and fight discrimination actively, while Chintha Jerome, Kerala State Youth Commission chairperson, pointed out lingering misogyny and regressive mindsets in society that go unnoticed.
Career journey
Muraleedharan's career and early experiences
A 1990 batch IAS officer, Muralidheeran started her career leading the Kudumbashree Mission under the Kerala government (2006-2012) which sought to empower women, alleviate poverty, and promote human rights.
She has also worked as Trivandrum's District Collector and in departments including Scheduled Caste Development.
Her vast experience includes working as Chief Operating Officer at National Rural Livelihoods Mission under the Ministry of Rural Development till December 2013.