Thu Mar 27 02:33:58 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Chief Secretary Reposts Powerful Statement on Colorism After Initial Deletion
**THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, KERALA** – Kerala Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan has reignited a crucial conversation about colorism after restoring a Facebook post detailing her experience with racist commentary. The post, initially deleted due to an overwhelming response, saw Muraleedharan recount instances of being judged based on her skin tone, juxtaposed against her husband’s, former Chief Secretary V Venu.
In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Muraleedharan revealed that comments on her performance frequently compared her dark complexion to her husband’s lighter skin. She described hearing a comment directly linking her “black” performance to her husband’s perceived “white” tenure, highlighting the insidious nature of color-based bias. While accustomed to such remarks since childhood – even recalling a four-year-old self wishing for lighter skin – Muraleedharan emphasized the importance of reclaiming the beauty of darker skin. She explained her initial deletion of the post as a reaction to the volume of responses, but ultimately restored it after receiving calls urging her to keep the conversation going, given her position.
The Chief Secretary’s powerful statement challenges the societal perception of “black,” advocating for a re-evaluation of its meaning. Muraleedharan concluded by stating that “black is the all-pervasive truth of the universe,” celebrating its power and multifaceted presence in various contexts. Her bold stance is expected to further stimulate debate on colorism and its pervasive impact in India.
First Piper 