Arundhati Roy receives PEN Pinter Prize 2024 for 'writer of courage'

Renowned author Arundhati Roy has been honored with the prestigious PEN Pinter Prize 2024, an accolade awarded to a "Writer of Courage" who actively defends freedom of expression, often at great personal risk.

The selection of Roy for this prize, made by the jury in April, comes at a particularly turbulent time as she faces heightened threats from the Indian government. Earlier this month, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena sanctioned her prosecution under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), an anti-terrorism law known for its stringent bail conditions, in connection with a statement she made in 2010.

Ruth Borthwick, Chair of English PEN and a jury member, praised Roy's ability to narrate urgent stories of injustice with both wit and beauty. "While India remains a significant focus, she is truly an internationalist thinker, and her powerful voice is not to be silenced," Borthwick said.

Actor and activist Khalid Abdalla, another judge, lauded Roy as a "luminous voice of freedom and justice." He highlighted her almost thirty-year career, marked by a fierce clarity and determination. Abdalla noted that her works, including her debut novel "The God of Small Things," have served as a guiding light through numerous global crises. "This year, as the world grapples with deep historical issues, our need for unflinching and unswerving writers has been immense. Honoring Arundhati Roy is a celebration of both the dignity of her work and the timeliness of her words," he stated.

The third jury member, writer, and musician Roger Robinson, added that Roy was the unanimous choice for the award, underscoring her significant contributions to literature. Robinson emphasized that her extensive body of work, which spans both fiction and non-fiction, consistently addresses themes of social justice. He commended her incisive commentary on environmental degradation and human rights abuses, noting her unwavering commitment to advocating for the marginalized and challenging the status quo.

The PEN Pinter Prize, named after the British playwright, screenwriter, and Nobel laureate Harold Pinter, recognizes outstanding writers who demonstrate the spirit of courage in their work. Accepting the prize, Roy expressed her delight and reflected on the current state of the world. "I wish Harold Pinter were with us today to write about the almost incomprehensible turn the world is taking. Since he isn’t, some of us must do our utmost to try to fill his shoes," she said.

The recent decision to prosecute Roy and her co-accused, former professor Sheikh Showkat Hussain, under the UAPA, has drawn criticism both domestically and internationally, further highlighting the significance of her recognition as a "Writer of Courage."