‘We had no idea about his caste till media told us’, people react to newspaper highlighting caste of Illiyaraja

The New India Express published a report titled : ‘Dalit Outreach through Illayaraja’s Padma’ .

Before this newspaper highlighted his caste identity, most of the people in India were not aware of his caste background. He is recognised as a music maestro alone. The Padma Vibhushan award given to him was a matter of joy to all his fans. Twitter users criticised the newspaper for bringing up caste of the music legend.

Media houses like you are a shame to our nation. Shame on you @NewIndianXpress bring up the caste of Legend Illayaraja when he is give his long pending award #PadmaVibhushan #Ilaiyaraaja pic.twitter.com/qs3ud7OuUx

— chandra kumaran S (@chandraksuma) January 26, 2018

Till this moment I was not aware Illaiyaraja is a Dalit. It made no difference then. It will make no difference now. For me Illaiyaraja was and will remain a fantastic singer-musician. And yes, I listen to his music. ஆர்ப்பரிப்பு அது @NewIndianXpress pic.twitter.com/4nYzEt4seW

— Kanchan Gupta (@KanchanGupta) January 26, 2018

How the fuck is #Ilaiyaraaja’s caste even relevant. He is a music composer par excellence and his #PadmaVibhushan was long due. All bottom most scums take refuge in journalism. What a shame pic.twitter.com/zz1OAuzVET

— Masakadzas (@Nesenag) January 26, 2018

.@NewIndianXpress Is casteism your cup of tea??! Is this how legendary music magician #Ilayaraja is portrayed in chennai ! Shame on such Journalism ! https://t.co/yltVIaGSYO

— Sir Girish Kumar ?? (@gkscit) January 26, 2018

@NewIndianXpress … How cheap…??? This ain’t journalism… #PadmaVibhushan#Ilayarajapic.twitter.com/E9aTVFYG3x

— Gulnas Fathima (@gulfathima7693) January 26, 2018

With this, we wonder when the media would stop injecting caste in every issue. Ilayaraja is known for his music. If the media can’t look beyond his caste, it is indeed a tragic indictment of debauchery that the profession of journalism has become.