Thiruvananthapuram, March 26 -- Kerala Chief Secretary Sarada Muraleedharan 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.

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 t...