New Delhi: Noted lyricist, poet and screenplay writer Javed Akhtar was presented the Indira Gandhi Prize for National Integration on Tuesday.
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 in the Capital, 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.
Sonia 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.
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