For This Writer Democracy Has Its Own Rewards

The Santa Fe-based Lannan Foundation has awarded its fourth annual prize for Cultural Freedom to writer and activist Arundhati Roy. The award carries a prize money of $350,000 (Rs 1.67 crore), which the winner has announced she will donate to 51 ngos "engaged in the struggle of making India a real democracy instead of just a notional one".

After tax deduction, Roy will still have Rs 1.15 crore to distribute. Among the ngos selected are the Adivasi Mukti Sanghatan in Madhya Pradesh, Beej Bachao Andolan in Tehri and the Mumbai-based Citizens for Justice and Peace. According to Roy, the list was drawn up after much thought and "discussions with a range of friends and colleagues".

The Booker Prize-winning author added: "I accept this prize knowing that there are many people around the world who deserve it more than I do. The Unknown and the invisible who are raising their voices and fighting the fight at much greater cost to themselves than I can ever claim."

The Lannan Foundation will formally honour this eloquent crusader for civil rights during a private reception in New York City in May. According to J. Patrick Lannan Jr, "As both an artist and a global citizen, Arundhati Roy writes about civil societies that are adversely affected by the world’s most powerful governments and corporations. We are honoured to celebrate her life and her ongoing work in the struggle for freedom, justice and cultural diversity."