London: At a recent ceremony at the British Library, acclaimed Indian author and activist Arundhati Roy accepted the PEN Pinter Prize, dedicating her recognition to the causes of Kashmiris and Palestinians. Known for her literary prowess and advocacy, Roy shared the prize with Egyptian-British activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah, currently imprisoned in Egypt.
According to Kashmir Media Service, Roy took the opportunity to address the plight of various oppressed communities, particularly those in Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestine. Her speech highlighted the enduring struggles of these populations and the global need for solidarity with political prisoners worldwide.
The PEN Pinter Prize is awarded to writers of outstanding literary merit who cast an unflinching light on contemporary society. This year’s dual recognition of Roy and Abd el-Fattah underscores the commitment to free speech and human rights, aligning with the prize’s ethos of acknowledging those who confront oppressive powers.
In her acceptance, Roy expressed deep solidarity with Abd el-Fattah and other political prisoners, including Indian activists Umar Khalid, Sharjeel Imam, and Khurram Parvaiz. She voiced her admiration for their resilience and her commitment to ensuring their stories and struggles are not forgotten.
Roy’s gesture of donating her prize money to the Palestinian Children’s Relief Fund further exemplifies her dedication to humanitarian causes, drawing attention to the parallel struggles faced by Palestinians and other marginalized groups globally.
Roy concluded her speech with a powerful call to global action, reinforcing the importance of unity in the fight against oppression and celebrating the spirit of resistance that the PEN Pinter Prize commemorates. Named for the late Harold Pinter, a fierce critic of political repression, the prize honors those who, like Roy and Abd el-Fattah, challenge injustices and champion human dignity.