Sarada Muraleedharan, Kerala’s Chief Secretary, ignited an important and deeply personal conversation about colorism, gender bias, and societal perceptions of leadership after addressing a derogatory remark on social media. The comment, which compared her tenure to that of her predecessor — her husband, V Venu — described her leadership as “black” and his as “white,” a statement loaded with both racial and gendered undertones.
Muraleedharan took to Facebook to respond, not with anger, but with introspection and resolve. She began her post by acknowledging the comment head-on: “Heard an interesting comment yesterday on my stewardship as Chief Secretary – that it is as black as my husband’s was white. Hmmm. I need to own my blackness.” In a country where fairness is still often equated with beauty, worth, and even competence, her words struck a powerful chord.
She went on to dismantle the negative connotations society attaches to the word "black." “Black is as black does,” she wrote, expanding beyond skin color to challenge the metaphorical use of blackness as a symbol of failure, wrongdoing, and darkness. She questioned why black — a color representing power, resilience, and elegance in many cultures — is so often twisted into a symbol of shame.
Her post became even more powerful when she shared a personal memory from childhood. She recalled asking her mother if she could be reborn fair-skinned, having internalized the belief that fairness was synonymous with beauty and goodness. It was a belief society reinforced at every turn. But it was her children — who proudly embraced their own dark skin — who helped her unlearn that conditioning. “Black is beautiful. Black is gorgeousness. I dig black,” she wrote, reclaiming the word as a symbol of pride rather than an insult.
Muraleedharan’s post wasn’t just about defending herself — it resonated with many, particularly women and people who have faced similar prejudices. As the highest-ranking bureaucrat in Kerala, her decision to speak out against such a comment carried weight. It served as a reminder that even those who reach the top are not immune to the sting of colorism and gendered judgment.
Support poured in from social media users who praised her strength and honesty, applauding her for tackling a topic often left unspoken. Many celebrated her words as empowering, with some calling her a role model for speaking truth to power.
However, a few voices questioned why someone of her stature would allow a “petty” remark to affect her. One commenter wondered how an accomplished officer — who fought her way to the top of Kerala’s civil service — could be bothered by “the petite comment of an absurd mind.”
Muraleedharan’s reply was sharp and deliberate: “So speaks privilege.”
Her response laid bare the reality that privilege often shields people from the daily sting of microaggressions. Success doesn’t erase the hurt caused by bias and prejudice — if anything, it magnifies it, especially for women in leadership roles. The assumption that she should “rise above it” reflects the very privilege she was calling out — the privilege of not having to face such comments in the first place.
Muraleedharan, a 1990 batch Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer, assumed the role of Chief Secretary on August 31, 2024, following her tenure as Additional Chief Secretary (Planning and Economic Affairs). She succeeded her husband, V Venu, who retired from the same position — a fact that has repeatedly drawn public comparison despite both having long, distinguished careers in public service.
Her social media post was more than a rebuttal to a cruel comment — it became a powerful statement on the systemic nature of colorism and gender bias that persists even in professional environments. It challenged the notion that fair skin equates to better leadership or greater competence, pushing back against the deeply entrenched belief that blackness — whether literal or symbolic — represents something undesirable.
Muraleedharan’s words transcend her personal experience. They serve as a wake-up call, urging society to rethink how it defines leadership, beauty, and worth. Her courage to speak openly about such a deeply personal and painful topic — from the highest office of Kerala’s civil service — reflects not just her strength as a leader, but her determination to confront the biases that continue to shape public perception.
In the end, her post wasn’t just about reclaiming her blackness — it was a declaration that leadership isn’t defined by the color of one’s skin, nor should competence be measured against outdated, discriminatory standards. By using her platform to challenge these norms, Sarada Muraleedharan has left an indelible mark, proving that true leadership lies in the courage to confront prejudice — even when it’s aimed at yourself.
