Javed Akhtar becomes the first Indian to receive Richard Dawkins Award; says, “It is a huge recognition”

Veteran lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has received the Richard Dawkins Award 2020. The award is given in the name of world-renowned English evolutionary biologist, ethologist, and author Richard Dawkins. Javed is the only Indian to have ever received this award and naturally, he is quite elated about it. The coveted award is presented by the Center for Inquiry (CFI).

As per a report in The Indian Express, CFI on presenting the award cites, “The recipient will be a distinguished individual from the worlds of science, scholarship, education, or entertainment, who publicly proclaims the values of secularism and rationalism, upholding scientific truth wherever it may lead.”

Talking about the prestigious award, Javed told The Indian Express, “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.”

The lyricist further added, “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.”

Congratulating Javed for his big win, his actress wife Shabana wrote, “Such marvellous news. Congratulations @Javedakhtarjadu.To win an award from your Hero is the ultimate validation.”

Such marvellous news . Congratulations @Javedakhtarjadu.To win an award from your Hero is the ultimate validation jaduakhtarhttps://www.ndtv.com/video/news/news/javed-akhtar-wins-richard-dawkins-award-550966

— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) June 7, 2020

Whereas Anil Kapoor wrote, “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 @JavedakhtarjaduSaab! It’s a truly incredible honour! Congratulations!”

Filmmaker Ashutosh Gowariker also congratulated Javed.

Congratulations @Javedakhtarjadu saab for winning the RICHARD DAWKINS AWARD 2020 for
Critical Thinking,
Advancing Human Progress & Humanist Values, and Holding Religious Dogma upto Scrutiny!! ??

And a special KYA BAAT HAI for being the FIRST INDIAN for this Honour!!! ???‍♂️

— Ashutosh Gowariker (@AshGowariker) June 8, 2020

Even Dia Mirza expressed her happiness over Akhtar’s win.

Javed Akhtar Saab has won the the prestigious Richard Dawkins Award 2020 for critical thinking, holding religious dogma upto scrutiny, advancing human progress and humanist values. He is the only Indian to have won this award! @Javedakhtarjadu Congratulations! You make us proud.

— Dia Mirza (@deespeak) June 7, 2020

The veteran lyricist never refrains from sharing his views on national or religious issues. Even though his thoughts don’t match with the popular opinion he makes sure to share them. After all, that’s what Freedom of Speech entails.

Also Read: Javed Akhtar calls for an end to azaan on loudspeakers; netizens call him ‘atheist’

Pooja Sharma

Cinephile. Bibliophile. Pluviophile. Selenophile. Autophile. Aesthete. Blood group- Tea positive. Poetry lover. Sucker of rom-coms.

PS: Sharmaji ki Ladki sucks at writing bios.
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