Arundhati Roy Donates PEN Pinter Prize to Palestinian Children, Highlights Kashmir
Arundhati Roy Gives Pinter Prize to Palestinian Kids, Mentions Kashmir
Srinagar: At a ceremony at the British Library in London, celebrated Indian author and activist Arundhati Roy accepted the PEN Pinter Prize. An award that recognizes an exceptional writer whose literary merit and intellectual determination unearths the truth of our lives and societies, this prize holds a profound meaning in a world where freedom of expression is increasingly under attack. This year, the honor was shared with Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah, imprisoned in Egypt for his courageous stance against oppression. His case, a poignant reflection of the state of free speech in Egypt, resonated with Roy, who recognized him as the ‘Writer of Courage’—a symbol of resilience in the face of tyranny.
The PEN Pinter Prize, established in 2009 by English PEN in memory of Nobel Laureate Harold Pinter, carries with it a legacy of truth-telling. It celebrates a Commonwealth or UK-based writer who mirrors the late Pinter’s unflinching commitment to speaking truth to power. As part of the prize, the awardee selects a ‘Writer of Courage,’ often someone who has faced persecution for their beliefs. This year, Roy’s choice of Abd el-Fattah was not just an act of solidarity but a powerful statement against global injustices—drawing a line between her activism for the oppressed in India and Palestine, and Abd el-Fattah’s fight for freedom in Egypt.
Arundhati Roy’s career has been one of balancing the roles of an author and an activist. From her Booker Prize-winning novel The God of Small Things to her trenchant critiques of corporate globalization, nationalism, and state violence, Roy has never flinched from controversy. Over the years, she has lent her voice to issues ranging from indigenous rights in India to the injustices faced by marginalized communities. Yet, it is her unwavering support for political prisoners, whether in India or abroad, that stands out as a core aspect of her activism.
Alaa Abd el-Fattah, the ‘Writer of Courage’ Roy chose to share the award with, has long been a symbol of resistance in Egypt. As a software developer, writer, and activist, Abd el-Fattah rose to prominence during the 2011 Egyptian revolution. However, his activism has come at a great personal cost—since 2011, he has spent most of his life in prison. His writings, including his prison letters and articles, offer a rare and insightful glimpse into the brutal realities of state repression in Egypt. Despite the oppressive circumstances, his words continue to inspire millions around the world.
A Symbol of Defiance
The PEN Pinter Prize holds a special place in the literary world. Named after Harold Pinter, the legendary playwright and Nobel laureate, it honors writers who embody the spirit of defiance. Pinter, known for his searing critiques of political establishments and his ability to reveal uncomfortable truths, would have found kindred spirits in Roy and Abd el-Fattah. Both writers, like Pinter, challenge the status quo and expose the brutalities of state power, whether in India, Egypt, or beyond.
The prize, however, is not just a celebration of literary merit; it is a call to arms. In a world where writers, journalists, and activists are increasingly silenced, the PEN Pinter Prize reminds us of the critical role literature plays in resisting authoritarianism. Roy’s selection of Abd el-Fattah underscores this very point. In her acceptance speech, she declared, “I refuse to play the condemnation game… I do not tell oppressed people how to resist their oppression or who their allies should be.” Her words resonated deeply, marking a refusal to bow to the forces of moderation or compromise when it comes to justice.
Roy’s Acceptance Speech
Roy’s speech at the PEN Pinter Prize ceremony was much more than an acceptance of an award; it was a powerful manifesto. She spoke not only for Abd el-Fattah but for the countless political prisoners held in detention across the world. Drawing on examples from her own country, she named Indian journalists, activists, and intellectuals currently imprisoned for their opposition to government policies. This solidarity with imprisoned activists worldwide was a recurring theme in her speech.
“Greetings to you, my friends and comrades in prison in India—lawyers, academics, students, journalists,” she said, naming several Indian prisoners such as Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and Khurram Parvaiz, among others. Roy’s voice was filled with pain as she acknowledged their sacrifices but also with a fierce determination to keep their stories alive.
This intersection of personal narrative and political commentary is characteristic of Roy’s work. Her writings, whether fiction or non-fiction, consistently challenge readers to confront uncomfortable truths. From The Ministry of Utmost Happiness, which explored the turmoil in Kashmir, to her essays that deconstruct the rise of Hindu nationalism in India, Roy’s body of work serves as a powerful tool against oppression. And her speech at the PEN Pinter Prize ceremony was no different.
Roy’s decision to donate her share of the prize money to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund further highlighted her unwavering commitment to justice. The ongoing conflict in Palestine, and particularly the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, has long been a focus of her activism. In her speech, she drew parallels between the struggles of the Palestinian people and those of other oppressed communities, making a poignant plea for global solidarity.
“I stand here today in solidarity with the people of Gaza, with the Palestinian people, and with all those who resist occupation and oppression,” she said. “This prize is not just mine; it belongs to all those who fight for justice and dignity.”
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