Javed Akhtar on being first Indian to win Richard Dawkins Award: Wasn’t sure they would know of my existence
Bollywood’s celebrated lyricist Javed Akhtar has turned first Indian to bag Richard Dawkins Award for his contribution to free-thinking, secularism, holding religious dogma up to scrutiny, humanist values, critical thinking and advancing human progress. It was yesterday this news escalated when wife Shabana Azmi took to her Twitter handle and announced the good news.
While talking to Indian Express Javed shared his excitement and was quoted saying, “These are the people of the same ideology, but I wasn’t sure they would know of my existence or what I have written and my opinions. I had no idea it would reach so far! So, it is a huge recognition.” Akhtar further said, “This win will tell the world that there are people in India who express views which are sometimes not popular. Democracy has given us a gift, and we will always protect it.”
@Javedakhtarjadu wins Richard Dawkins Award 2020 for critical thinking , holding religious dogma upto scrutiny,advancing human progress and humanist values. Awesome ❤️ https://t.co/tJy9CBDOzI
— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) June 7, 2020
Meanwhile, on seeing her tweet many Bollywood stars took to their social media handle and congratulated the lyricist. Anil Kapoor wrote a heartwarming tweet which read, “The Selfish Gene', the prestigious Richard Dawkins Award must be extra special for you @Javedakhtarjadu Saab! It's a truly incredible honour! Congratulations!”
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Knowing that Richard Dawkins has been your hero since you read 'The Selfish Gene', the prestigious Richard Dawkins Award must be extra special for you @Javedakhtarjadu Saab! It's a truly incredible honour! Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/J5EXqP2I8g
— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) June 7, 2020
Apart from winning Richard Dawkin’s award, he is also a recipient of the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, the Sahitya Akademi Award as well as five National Film Awards.
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First published: 8 June 2020, 14:11 IST