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.
https://twitter.com/chandraksuma/status/956794256294907905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/KanchanGupta/status/956778327863209984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/Nesenag/status/956695485254742018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/gkscit/status/956793145785659392?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
https://twitter.com/gulfathima7693/status/956792700405075968?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
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.