WEB CHUTNEY

Indian writer-activist, Arundhati Roy, returned her National Award on Thursday for Best Screenplay, which she won in 1989.

Roy seems to be the latest in a long line of intellectuals who have decided to return their awards to the government in the face of ‘growing intolerance’ in India.

The artists and scientists have accused the administration of Narendra Modi, the prime minister, of stoking Hindu nationalism and curtailing freedom of expression, as reported in the Telegraph.

“I am very pleased to have found (from somewhere way back in my past) a National Award that I can return, because it allows me to be a part of a political movement initiated by writers, filmmakers and academics in this country who have risen up against a kind of ideological viciousness and an assault on our collective IQ that will tear us apart and bury us very deep if we do not stand up to it now,” Roy said, in an article in the Indian Express.

“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,” she added.

And yet, the honourable prime minister of India continues encouraging this divide. We respect your decision, Ms Roy! You don’t need awards when you are winning hearts! We hope India returns to its former, pluralistic, glory.