Daijiworld Media Network

Chandigarh, Oct 13: In a bid to show her solidarity to other writers who have raised their voice against the growing intolerance in the country, writer Dalip Tiwana has declared that she will be returning her Padma Shri back to the government. Tiwana said, "To kill those who stand for truth and justice put us to shame in the eyes of the world and God. In protest, therefore, I return the Padma Shri award."

A leading novelist and short story writer in Punjabi, her announcement was made on Tuesday as ana act of “solidarity with other writers who are protesting against the increasing cultural intolerance in our society and politics.” She is the first writer to return such a high civilian award. Tiwana justifies the extreme act saying, “I had something big to give up, for a cause I believe in and which is close to my heart, and this is my way of protest. Minorities are being crushed, and writers and rationalists are being murdered, and no one is allowed to speak."

She echoes the sentiments of the other fellow protestors, she said, “In this land of Gautama Buddha and Guru Nanak Dev, the atrocities committed on the Sikhs in 1984 and on the Muslims currently because of communalism are an utter disgrace to our state and society." She went on to say, And in the 21st century, we are killing those who stand up for truth; it’s a shame in the eyes of God. In this country and in Punjab, people from any caste and creed are welcomed with open arms, and whichever road you take, will lead to God."

Applauding the cause further, Tiwana said, “I laud this form of protest, and can hope this action of us writers, will make the common people think and also give them a voice and remind them that secularism is most important.”