IDUKKI: The English translation of the autobiography of Prof T J Joseph, whose right palm was chopped off in retaliation for alleged blasphemy by the Popular Front of India (PFI) activists in 2010, will be released soon. Prof Joseph wrote the autobiography with his left hand.
The English translation of the book titled ‘A Thousand Cuts’ was translated by K Nandakumar. Joseph said the publisher, Penguin Books, informed that the book will be released on September 20. The Malayalam version of the book titled ‘Attupokatha Ormakal’ was released in January 2020.
Joseph told TOI that he hopes the English translation of the book will help a wider section of readers realize the effects of religious fundamentalism. “In Kerala, as a developed society, we consider that we are safe. But my life is a clear example that our state is also facing issues related to religious fundamentalism. I am sure that whoever reads my book will not support any extremist movements of any religion,” he said.
“The English translation of the book is also dedicated to my wife, Salomi. My life was going peacefully and smoothly till the issue. But after the incident, our life changed unexpectedly. In addition to the crisis the family had been facing, another unfortunate incident that happened later had intensified our mental agony. Now, we hear that religious fundamentalism is creating issues all around the world. Religious fundamentalism is a major threat to the world. My life is a clear example of how such activities destroy the peace of the society,” Prof Joseph said.
