INDIA Indigenous tribal intellectual rejects award for “solidarity” with Palestinian children

Jacinta Kerketta turned down the prestigious Room to Read because it was co-sponsored by American companies that support Israel’s war in Gaza (and Lebanon). Last year he took a similar decision to protest against abuses against Adivasis in Manipur. Indian priest: a “brave decision.”

Delhi () – The fact that Jacinta Kerketta, journalist, writer, social worker and activist “has rejected the prestigious Room to Read award” is a “courageous decision” because, as reported TheWire, The recognition is “co-sponsored by UsAid.” Father Prakash Louis, a Jesuit from the Patna province, comments with the decision of the Indian intellectual and activist who had previously distinguished herself by rejecting other recognitions in support of her struggles. The decision of the last few days, continues the priest, is based on the will to firmly express “his solidarity with the children of Palestine.”

Jacinta Kerketta, born 1983, is a Hindi-speaking journalist, writer and activist. Her compositions and articles discuss and explore topics such as youth Adivasi identity, protests against systemic oppression in India, gender-based violence, especially against women, and the forced displacement of entire communities. Forbes India has named her one of the 20 best women in the country capable of achieving success and establishing herself without the need for external help and coming from a family without particular resources.

Kerketta declined to accept the 2024 Room to Read Young Author Award, jointly awarded by UsAia and Room to Read India Trust, for her collection of children’s poems “Jirhul”, published by Iktara Trust’s Jugnu Publication, Bhopal. “Jirhul” explores the diverse flowers found in the forests of Adivasi regions, offering a unique socio-political perspective through the lens of indigenous experiences.

The decision to reject the award is deeply rooted in his ethical concerns. He expressed his refusal to accept any recognition that implies American aid, particularly when thousands of children suffer from conflicts in regions such as Palestine. Kerkatta said children’s books are important, but adults have not been able to save children, thousands of whom are being murdered in Palestine.

Finally, the activist pointed out the irony of organizations that promote the education of children and at the same time benefit from the arms industry, which has contributed to the deaths of countless women and children in conflict zones. “It is absurd – the woman stated – that the arms business and interest in children go hand in hand when thousands of children are murdered by the same weapons.” Last year Kerketta had rejected an award from India Today in protest against the lack of respect towards the Adivasis of Manipur.

“Considering that the American elite – continues Fr. Louis – did not speak out against Israel’s continued war against Palestine and the American government provides its support, Jacinta refused to accept the award.” That decision was also dictated by the origin of the woman, who was first an activist and defender of human rights more than an intellectual: “Coming from the tribal belt of Jharkhand, she was on the front line in resisting any form of exploitation and oppression and in support of the rights of the marginalized, especially the tribals,” recalls the Jesuit “By refusing to accept the award, he demonstrates his commitment to the cause of all the oppressed and victims. He did not limit his commitment and his struggle only to the tribes of central India, but he has embraced humanity – he concludes – by taking his side. of the victims of the war in Gaza and, above all, of the children.