'I am woman and I am dark - I own both': Kerala Chief Secy

Kerala Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan (in pic) on Wednesday boldly addressed a comment made about her skin complexion, turning a potentially hurtful remark into a powerful statement on self-acceptance and empowerment.

- TDG NETWORK

The comment, made in a seemingly humorous tone, implied that her administration was "black" and therefore inferior. However, Muraleedharan refused to let the remark slide, instead choosing to confront the underlying biases and value judgments that perpetuate such attitudes.

"I think it's high time for me not to feel defensive about either the fact that I am a woman or that I am dark. It's time that I own both of these and that I come out strongly. By my coming out strongly, maybe it will help those people who are going through similar feelings of insecurity and inadequacy, to feel that we are worth it and we don't need external validation...," she said.

Muraleedharan's words are not just a personal statement, but also a call to action for those who have faced similar struggles with self-acceptance and external validation. By owning her identity and refusing to apologize for who she is, Muraleedharan is inspiring others to do the same.