Arundhati Roy, the Indian author and activist, has been awarded the 45th European Essay Prize for Lifetime Achievement. The award, which is given by the Charles Veillon Foundation, according to Harper’s Bazaar, is in recognition of Roy’s “enriching work in terms of reflection on the construction of the world and the relationship with language.”
Roy’s 2021 book, Azadi, was cited by the jury for its “analysis of fascism and the way it is being structured.” The book is a collection of essays in which Roy writes about the true meaning of freedom in a growing authoritarian climate.
In her acceptance speech, Roy said that she was “grateful” for the award and that it was “a testament to much of [her] life’s work.” She also said that she was “unwavering” in her belief in seeking the truth.
Roy is a recipient of the Man Booker Prize for her 1997 novel, The God of Small Things. She has also been nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize. She is a vocal critic of the Indian government and has been arrested on several occasions for her activism.
In addition to Azadi, Roy’s other non-fiction works include The Shape of the Beast, The Doctor and the Saint, and An Ordinary Person’s Guide to Empire.
The European Essay Prize is one of the most prestigious awards for essay writing in Europe. It was established in 1975 and has been awarded to some of the most important essayists of our time, including Michel Foucault, Susan Sontag, and Orhan Pamuk.
The award is a testament to Roy’s stature as one of the leading voices in Indian literature and activism. She is a fearless writer who is not afraid to speak truth to power. Her work is a vital contribution to the ongoing struggle for freedom and justice.
