Registering their protest against the recent murders of rationalists, and the Dadri incident, 25 Indian authors have returned awards they received from the Sahitya Akademi, and four have resigned from their posts at the Akademi.
Over a dozen Konkani writers plan to return Sahitya Akademi awards.
The 27-member executive board, representing writers from 24 languages of the country, is set to discuss the Akademi’s response at its emergency meeting on 23 October.
Four resign From Sahitya Akademi
25 Authors Returned Their Akademi Awards
Opposition in Support of Writers
Cheap political leaders are attacking the very soul of India by “decrying and denying” the country’s diversity.
— Abhishek Manu Singhvi, Leader, CongressI appreciate the position taken by madam (Sahgal), she reflects the moral mood, anger in the country against intolerance shown by RSS and Sangh Parivar outfits against the fellow citizens.
— D Raja, Leader, CPI
This is an award given by writers to writers. It has nothing to do with the government. It is their personal choice to return it… we accept it.
— Mahesh Sharma, Culture Minister
What the Akademi Says...
Writers should adopt a different way to protest. How can they blame the Sahitya Akademi, which has been in existence for over 60 years. Even during the Emergency the Akademi did not take a stand.
— Vishwanath Prasad Tiwari, Chairperson, Sahitya Akademi
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