Arundhati wins PEN Pinter Prize amidst prosecution threats on IIOJK stand
London: Renowned Indian author Arundhati Roy has been awarded the esteemed PEN Pinter Prize for her unwavering commitment to literature and free speech.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Indian writer has been awarded the PEN Pinter prize, two weeks after Indian authorities approved legal action over political comments she made 14 years ago.
The novelist said she is “delighted” to accept the prestigious literary award, in a statement shared via a press release by PEN English.
The accolade comes as Roy faces potential prosecution from the Indian government for her outspoken views on the disputed territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
Roy, celebrated for her debut novel “The God of Small Things,” which earned her a Booker Prize in 1997, has been an unrelenting advocate for social justice and human rights. Her fearless commentary on critical issues, from environmental degradation to human rights violations, has made her a powerful voice in the literary world.
The PEN Pinter Prize, established in 2009 in honor of Nobel laureate playwright Harold Pinter, recognizes writers of exceptional literary merit who demonstrate an unflinching commitment to truth and freedom of expression. Roy will receive the award at a ceremony hosted by the British Library on October 10, where she will also deliver a keynote address.
This year’s judges, including English PEN Chair Ruth Borthwick, actor Khalid Abdalla, and writer Roger Robinson, unanimously chose Roy for her remarkable contribution to literature. Her work has captivated readers worldwide, shedding light on pressing social justice issues and challenging the status quo. This recognition highlights the vital role writers play in defending freedom of expression, often at great personal risk.
Arundhati Roy’s unwavering dedication to her craft and her unrelenting pursuit of truth make her a deserving recipient of the PEN Pinter Prize. As the world grapples with complex histories and ongoing injustices, Roy’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the impact of courageous writing on our understanding of the world and ourselves.
Meanwhile, a group of over 250 Indian writers, artists, and intellectuals have signed an open letter condemning the Indian government’s decision to prosecute author Arundhati Roy for her comments on Kashmir, made 14 years ago. The letter describes the move as a “gross misuse of the legal system” and an attempt to “silence” Roy, who has been a vocal critic of the government’s policies in Kashmir. The signatories include notable figures such as Salman Rushdie, Margaret Atwood, and Amitav Ghosh, and express their solidarity with Roy, hailing her as a “beacon of hope” for her unwavering commitment to free speech and human rights
