Roy wins 2004 Sydney Peace Prize

[TamilNet, Saturday, 29 May 2004, 20:41 GMT]
Human Rights campaigner and Indian novelist, Arundhati Roy, received the Sydney Peace Foundation's 2004 award, reports in Australian media said.

Arundhati Roy (Photo: The Hindu)

Excerpts from the announcement listed in the website of University of Sydney, which is associated with the Sydney Peace Foundation follow:

From New Delhi, Ms Roy comments, "I am honoured to accept the prize'. On non violence as a criterion for the award, Arundhati Roy says, 'Today, in a world convulsed by violence and unbelievable brutality the lines between 'us' and 'the terrorists' have been completely blurred...

"We don't have to choose between Imperialism and Terrorism, we have to choose what form of resistance will rid us of both. What shall we choose ? Violence or non violence ? ...We have to choose knowing that when we are violent to our enemies, we do violence to ourselves. When we brutalize others, we brutalize ourselves. And eventually we run the risk of becoming our oppressors."

Commenting on the selection of Ms Roy, The Director of the Peace Foundation Professor Stuart Rees said, "Arundhati Roy is a distinguished world citizen. She was chosen for her opposition to the violence of poverty in India and for her commitment to the global cause of peace with justice. As a writer she challenges the world.

"She is an outstanding communicator who writes with great clarity and grace. She insists that 'Silence is indefensible', that 'Peace is not the opposite of war. Peace is the sibling of justice'. At a time of terrible disregard for human life, we need to hear from citizens like Arundhati Roy. Her presence in Sydney will be exciting and encouraging."