Kerala’s Chief Secretary, Sarada Muraleedharan, has sparked an important conversation about color bias, gender discrimination, and unfair comparisons in leadership roles through a bold open letter. On Wednesday, Muraleedharan took to social media to share her experiences, highlighting the challenges she has faced due to deeply rooted prejudices.
In her candid post, she called out discrimination based on skin color and gender, as well as unfair comparisons with her predecessor and the professional career of her husband. The letter, initially deleted due to overwhelming reactions, was reposted after well-wishers encouraged her to keep the discussion alive.
“I Needed to Accept My Blackness”
Muraleedharan’s letter sheds light on the societal pressure and biases she has encountered, especially in leadership. She recalled how growing up, she struggled with self-acceptance due to prevailing narratives around fair skin being associated with beauty and worth.
“Yesterday, I heard many interesting comments on my stewardship as chief secretary,” she wrote. “This is a post I made this morning and then deleted because I was flustered by the flurry of responses. I am reposting it because well-wishers said that there were things that needed to be discussed.”
She further emphasized the need to challenge these stereotypes and embrace one’s identity, stating that black is beautiful, black is gorgeous.
Breaking Stereotypes: A Journey of Self-Realization
Muraleedharan credited her children for helping her embrace her identity and heritage, allowing her to unlearn the internalized prejudices she grew up with.
“But why should black be vilified? 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 color that works on everyone, the dress code for office, the lustre of evening wear, the essence of kajal, the promise of rain,” Muraleedharan said.
Reflecting on her childhood, she recalled an incident that shaped her perception of beauty: “As a four-year-old, I apparently asked my mother whether she could put me back in her womb and bring me out again, all white and pretty. I have lived for over 50 years buried under that narrative of not being a colour that was good enough. And buying into that narrative. Of not seeing beauty or value in black. Of being fascinated by fair skin. And fair minds, and all that was fair and good and wholesome. And of feeling that I was a lesser person for not being that – which had to be compensated somehow.”
However, she said her children played a key role in shifting her perspective, as they found beauty in what she had been conditioned to see as undesirable.
“Till my children, who gloried in their black heritage. Who kept finding beauty where I noticed none. Who thought that black was awesome. Who helped me see. That black is beautiful. That black is gorgeousness. That I dig black,” she said.
A Leader Who Stands for Inclusivity
Muraleedharan, a 1990-batch IAS officer, took over as Kerala’s Chief Secretary on August 31, 2023, after the retirement of V. Venu. Before this, she served as Additional Chief Secretary (Planning and Economic Affairs). Her open letter has resonated widely, drawing support from individuals and activists who applauded her courage in addressing deeply ingrained biases. As the first woman in Kerala’s top bureaucratic position, she is not just breaking barriers but also challenging societal norms.
By speaking openly about gender bias, colorism, and leadership challenges, Muraleedharan has reignited an essential dialogue on the need for greater inclusivity and equal treatment in professional spaces. Her journey is a testament to the power of self-acceptance and the importance of embracing one’s identity with pride.
A passionate writer, Niharika wants to create an impact as she believes that Journalism is not just a profession, but a passion to follow and live in. With a keen eye for storytelling and a commitment to impactful writing. she strives to inform, engage, and inspire through the pieces that she crafts. Niharika has covered the 38th National Games, getting to know the lives of athletes and players closely. When not writing she is listening to music, or browsing through social media for more meaningful topics to cover.
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