Following the chain of writers, scientists and filmmakers
who are returning their awards to the government in rouse of the ‘rising
intolerance’ in India, acclaimed writer and political activist Arundhati Roy
has also added herself in the movement by returning her 1989 National Award she
got for Best Screenplay.
She said “Although I do not believe that awards are a
measure of the work we do, I would like to add the National Award for Best
Screenplay that I won in 1989 to the growing pile of returned awards. Also, I
want to make it clear that I am not returning this award because I am “shocked”
by what is being called the “growing intolerance” being fostered by the present
government.”
She went to explain the causes in a three point agenda;
“First of all, “intolerance” is the wrong word to use for the lynching,
shooting, burning and mass murder of fellow human beings. Second, we had plenty
of advance notice of what lay in store for us — so I cannot claim to be shocked
by what has happened after this government was enthusiastically voted into
office with an overwhelming majority. Third, these horrific murders are only a
symptom of a deeper malaise. Life is hell for the living too. Whole populations
— millions of Dalits, Adivasis, Muslims and Christians — are being forced to
live in terror, unsure of when and from where the assault will come.”
No comments:
Post a Comment