Popular writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar wins Richard Dawkins Award

Bollywood writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar has received Richard Dawkins award, presented by the Center For Inquiry (CFI)!

Popular lyricist and screenwriter Javed Akhtar has wo Richard Dawkins award for his work and thoughts. He has become the only Indian to receive this honour from the Center For Inquiry (CFI).

Akhtar told 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.”

People have trolled the lyricist several times on social media for expressing his opinions. However he says that validation is for someone who has even an iota of doubt about what he or she thinks. But he has always been so sure about his thinking. He is also happy because it is the first time he has received an award for his views and rationality on religion.

He added on saying, “It is the ultimate recognition because it comes from a huge institution. 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.”

Javed Akhtar’s wife Shabana Azmi too is extremely happy with the prestigious award coming their home. “I am thrilled! I know what a hero Richard Dawkins has been for Javed. The award gains all the more significance because in today’s time when secularism is being attacked by religious fundamentalists of all hues, this award comes as a validation of Javed’s long service to rational thinking,” she told the daily.

This award has come at a time when the writer has already been receiving a lot of backlash for his views against religious fundamentalism.