Indian tribal intellectual refuses award out of 'solidarity' with Palestinian children
Jacinta Kerketta turned down the prestigious Room to Read because it was co-sponsored by a US agency while the US government supports Israel's war in Gaza (and Lebanon). Last year she did the same with another award in protest against the abuse of Adivasis in Manipur. For Indian priest, hers is a “bold step”.
Delhi (AsiaNews) - Jacinta Kerketta, a journalist, poet, social worker, and activist, took a “bold step” and turned “down the prestigious Room to Read award" because, as The Wire reports, it “is co-sponsored by USAID,” this according to Fr Prakash Louis.
The Jesuit from the province of Patna spoke to AsiaNews, about Kerketta’s decision to refuse the work. This is not the first time the Indian intellectual and activist decline awards to support certain causes.
Her decision stems from a desire to express firm “solidarity with the children of Palestine,” Fr Louis said.
Born in 1983, Jacinta Kerketta is a Hindi-language journalist, poet and activist. Her essays and journalism focus on topics such as identity among young Adivasi, protests against systemic oppression in India, gender-based violence, especially against women, and the forced displacement of entire communities.
She made it into Forbes India’s list of India’s stop “self-made women” who achieved success and made their own identity, without inherit money or position.
Kerketta refused to accept the 2024 Room to Read Young Author Award for her collection of children's poems 'Jirhul', published by Iktara Trust's Jugnu Publication, Bhopal, jointly awarded by USAID and Room to Read India Trust. "Jirhul" explores the different flowers found in the forests of Adivasi regions, offering a unique socio-political perspective through the lens of indigenous experiences.
The decision to turn down the award is deeply rooted in her ethical concerns. She decided against the award because of its connection to USAID, particularly when thousands of children are suffering as a result of conflict in regions such as Palestine.
Kerkatta said children's books are important, but adults have failed to save children, thousands of whom have been killed in Palestine.
Finally, the activist noted the irony of organisations that promote children's education while making profits from the arms industry, which has contributed to the deaths of countless women and children in conflict zones.
“It is absurd how the arms business and concern for children go hand in hand when thousands of children are being killed by the same weapons,” she said.
Last year, Kerketta turned down an award from India Today in protest at the lack of respect for the Adivasis of Manipur.
For Fr Louis, “Since, [the] American ruling elite have not spoken against the continued war carried out by Israel against Palestine and the American government is providing support, Jacinta has refused to accept the award.”
This choice also stems from her origins, who is first and foremost an activist and defender of human rights rather than an intellectual.
“Coming from the Tribal belt of Jharkhand she has been in the forefront resisting any form of exploitation and oppression as well as upholding the rights of the marginalised, especially of the Tribals,” said the Jesuit.
“Now by declining to accept the award, she has proved her commitment for the cause of all the oppressed and victimised. She did not confine her commitment and struggle only to the Tribals of central India but has embraced the humanity by standing by the war victims of Gaza and especially the children.”
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