The Peace Avenue of Rotary District 3141 Mumbai and Literature Live! is proud to present the inaugural Rotary Writing for Peace Award at the 13th edition of Tata Literature Live! The Mumbai LitFest.

In a world where over 70 million people are displaced as a result of conflict, violence, persecution, and human rights violations, peace makers must be cherished and honoured. On its part, Rotary is committed to creating environments of peace since it is the cornerstone of their mission and an essential pillar of the Rotary foundation. This is done by carrying out service projects supporting peace fellowships and scholarships.
Since its inception Literature Live! (particularly through its festival Tata Literature Live!) has been committed to providing a platform for writers who represent values of humanism, equality and respect.

The Writing for Peace Award represents the shared vision both organizations have in refusing to accept conflict as a way of life and the importance of acknowledging writers who uphold these ideals in their work.

Every year one Indian writer whose body of work has centred around peacebuilding will be the recipient of the award. The writer is chosen by a jury with representatives from both organizations as well as independent members.

We are pleased to announce that noted human rights lawyer, feminist and writer Ms Nandita Haksar will be the recipient of the inaugural award. Ms Haksar has represented workers, women, adivasis, Burmese activists, and the people of the Indian Northeast and Kashmir. Not only has her work contributed immensely to the development of a rights-based perspective she has set precedents in human rights and humanitarian law and developed the country’s first human rights courses.

The presentation of the Award will happen on the morning of 13th of November 2022, followed by a conversation between Ms. Haksar and Naresh Fernandes. As with everything at Tata Literature Live!, entry is absolutely free and open to all.