Meesha: Difference between revisions

[[File:Meesha.jpg|thumb|First edition (indian)]]

'''Meesha''' is the debut novel of [[Malayalam]] writer [[S. Hareesh]]. It was serialized in parts by the [[Mathrubhumi Azhchappathippu|Mathrubhumi Illustrated Weekly]] and published in its entirety by [[DC Books]].<ref>{{cite web| url=https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/hareeshs-novel-meesha-hits-stands/article24575825.ece |title= Hareesh's novel Meesha hits stands |author=C. Gouridasan Nair |date=2018-08-01 |website=The Hindu |access-date=2018-10-01}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url=https://news.webindia123.com/news/Articles/India/20180801/3402145.html |title=DC Books publishes Malayalam novel 'Meesha' |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2018-08-01 |website=Webindia123 |access-date=2018-10-28}}</ref> Due to protests from Hindu organizations, the serialization was cancelled after the third part.

The [[English language|English]] translation of the book, ''Moustache'', won the [[JCB Prize|JCB Prize for literature]] in 2020.<ref>https://www.mangalam.com/news/detail/438125-latest-news-s-hareesh-bags-jcb-literature-award.html</ref> The novel won the 2019 [[Kerala Sahitya Akademi Award for Novel]], which was announced in February 2021.<ref name="kerala sahithya academy award announced">{{Cite web |date=2021-02-15 |title=kerala sahithya academy award announced കേരള സാഹിത്യ അക്കാദമി പുരസ്‌കാരങ്ങൾ പ്രഖ്യാപിച്ചു; എസ്. ഹരീഷിന്റെ 'മീശ' മികച്ച നോവൽ |url=https://www.twentyfournews.com/2021/02/15/kerala-sahithya-academy-award-announced.html |access-date=2021-02-15 |website=www.twentyfournews.com |language=en-US}}</ref>

In a section of the novel, a certain character suggests that Hindu women bathe and wear good clothes before going to a temple because they are interested in sex.<ref name="Followers of Sangh Parivar slam Malayalam writer S Hareesh over Meesha">{{Cite web |url=https://bangaloremirror.indiatimes.com/news/india/sangh-parivar-supporters-slam-malayalam-writer-s-hareesh-over-meesha/articleshow/65011379.cms |title=Followers of Sangh Parivar slam Malayalam writer S Hareesh over Meesha |website=Bangalore Mirror |access-date=2018-11-13}}</ref><ref name="Threatened by right wing, Malayalam writer S Hareesh withdraws novel from magazine">{{Cite web |url=https://www.thenewsminute.com/article/threatened-right-wing-malayalam-writer-s-hareesh-withdraws-novel-magazine-85170 |title=Threatened by right wing, Malayalam writer S Hareesh withdraws novel from magazine |date=2018-07-21 |website=The News Minute |access-date=2018-11-13}}</ref> He goes on to state that women do not go to the temple whilst menstruating because they cannot have sex. These extracts, which were shared on social media, resulted in widespread criticism by Hindu organizations such as Yogakshema Sabha, [[BJP]], [[Hindu Aikya Vedi]], [[Nair Service Society|N.S.S]]. After this, the writer withdrew the serialization of the novel from [[Mathrubhumi Azhchappathippu|Mathrubhumi Illustrated Weekly]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.firstpost.com/entertainment/malayalam-author-s-hareesh-withdraws-novel-meesha-says-he-has-received-threats-from-right-wing-groups-4791341.html |title= Malayalam author S Hareesh withdraws novel 'Meesha,' says he has received threats from right-wing groups|author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2018-07-21 |website=Firstpost |access-date=2018-10-28}}</ref>

A plea to ban the book was made to the [[Supreme Court of India]] by N Radhakrishnan, a resident of Delhi. The court refused to ban the novel and stated that the culture of banning books impacts the free flow of ideas.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.msn.com/en-in/news/other/meesha-row-supreme-court-decries-practice-of-banning-books/ar-BBLqk4M |title='Meesha' row: Supreme Court decries practice of banning books |author=<!--Not stated--> |date=2018-08-03 |website=MSN |access-date=2018-10-28}}</ref>

<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.deccanherald.com/national/sc-refuses-ban-novel-meesha-685120.html |title=Culture of banning books impacted free flow of ideas:SC |author=Ashish Tripathi |date=2018-08-02 |website=Deccan Heral |access-date=2018-10-28}}</ref>