A scene from Oor Iravu

 Honour  killing

 Recently I watched an anthology movie called Paavai Kadaghal  on NETFLIX. Of these four films, Oor Iravu, directed by Vetrimaran and starring Prakash Raj, Sai Pallavi and Harikrishnan in the lead roles, is a memorable film. Sumathi (Sai Pallavi), daughter of Janakiraman (Prakash Raj), an upper caste man, marries Hari (Harikrishnan), a lower caste man. Both are educated and have jobs. They live in Bangalore. The father was shocked of the daughter's act against the caste prejudice, lost his  pride and prominence in the society. More than one year has passed. Knowing that his daughter is pregnant, he comes to see her. He takes her with him, deciding that all mistakes are forgiven and that the baby shower ceremony should be celebrated in the village. Everyone in the house in conversation talks about the hardships they suffered because of this marriage but accepts her. The ceremony is in the auditorium. Everyone except mother, father and Sumathi went  to the auditorium. Sumathi is very upset. She has abdominal pain and vomiting. The father  discouraged his wife ,when she tells him to call the doctor. Sumati vomits blood. Mother  tries to get out to call the doctor, then father forcefully lock her in a room. Before sumati dies, he tells his daughter that this is the solution to the shame he has suffered so far. The father said ,he mixed the poison in drinking water and given to her.The scenes surrounding her death are unforgettable. When such incidents are  common in the villages, does its horror disappear? I do not know. Despite the many films and literature made on this subject, these persist in society.

Such honor killings are rare in Kerala and widespread in other southern and northern states. When such a thing happens in Kerala, we feel very shocked. Though isolated, such  incidents occur in a state where the society is better placed  in terms of education and culture. Kerala is a society that is so closely intertwined that caste and religion cannot be easily distinguished by color, intellect or cultural and economic background. Yet it is  noteworthy that all of this is happening.

 Caste and Religion are essential for politicians and caste-religious leaders  to implement their agendas and maintain power . But a peaceful, high-minded society does not need it. I am not a member of any caste movement. Therefore,  not part of religion too. In a secular country, will there be a system where a citizen can live with the religion as ' Indian' and his state (Kerala for a Malayalee) as a caste? It may seem like utopian ideology, but I think everyone should  think of an alternative to the current dangerous caste-religion system.