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Javed Akhtar presented Indira Gandhi Prize
01st Nov 2006 09.39 IST
By Agencies

Noted lyricist, poet and screenplay writer Javed Akhtar was Tuesday presented the Indira Gandhi Prize for National Integration at a function where post-Godhra riots in Gujarat issue figured and his fight against divisive forces in politics was commended.

The 21st edition of the award, presented to Akhtar by Congress President Sonia Gandhi in the presence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh at a ceremony at Jawahar Bhawan in New Delhi, carries a citation, a shawl and a cash prize of Rs 1.51 lakh.

Noting that the award celebrated Indira Gandhi's deep commitment to the unity and integrity of the country, Singh recalled Akhtar's views about the communal riots in Gujarat in 2002 that "It was not a Hindu-Muslim problem, but a clash of secularism and democracy versus fascism and intolerance."

"I am proud that this award is being given to a writer, a poet and an activist who is deeply committed to the ideas and ideals that define our nationhood," he said.

Singh said he was delighted that a creative, committed, secular and patriotic Indian was being honoured in memory of Indira Gandhi.

He also commended Akhtar's emphasis on women's empowerment and upliftment of weaker sections of society through his writings. "I hope this prize will help impart more power to his pen," the Prime Minister said.

Gandhi, who headed the advisory committee that decided the award, said Akhtar has fought against fundamentalism and exposed the divisive forces in Indian politics.

"Akhtar has given voice to the pain and anguish, fought for social justice and worked for solidarity," she said.

Gandhi said Akhtar's stories spoke of the dreams of the people of the country and added, "we all care for these dreams and are trying to fulfill them."

Terming terrorism and fundamentalism as the biggest enemies of humanity, she said the award also stood for the responsibility to maintain communal peace and harmony.

Gandhi also congratulated Akhtar's wife, noted actress and activist Shabana Azmi , who was present at the ceremony, for winning the Gandhi Peace Prize.

In his acceptance speech, Akhtar said he was only basking in the reflected glory of the country's democratic traditions.

"National integration is an edifice that is supported by the four solid pillars of liberty, equality, justice and peace and the foundation of each pillar is secularism," he said.

Akhtar said fundamentalist forces were trying to convert India into a "Hindu Pakistan" even as he accused India's neighbourhood of trying to broaden communal schisms in the country.

He recalled that prominent among the parties that had opposed the Quit India Movement were the Muslim League and the RSS.

He said there was a need to understand why terrorism, that was prior to 1992 confined to Jammu and Kashmir, had since spread to other parts of the country.

Akhtar, on a special request from the Prime Minister, ended his speech with a `nazm' (short poem).

The award has in the past been given to among others President A P J Abdul Kalam, Aruna Asaf Ali, Rajiv Gandhi, Subbulakshmi, Mahashweta Devi and Shyam Benegal .

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