Indian journalist Rana Ayyub on Friday received the Overseas Press Club of America’s Flora Lewis Award for best commentary on international news.
She was awarded for her opinion pieces criticising India’s Hindu nationalism and Narendra Modi government in The Washington Post.
“Her stories are truly frightening, and India’s slide into religious nationalism does not get nearly enough attention,” one juror noted.
Democracy is under attack around the world, not least in the country that likes to bill itself as the world’s largest democracy. At grave personal risk, Rana Ayyub of The Washington Post has called out Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s systematic persecution of the Muslim minority, read a note from organisers.
Her award-winning works are: Why an Indian film’s success at the box office should worry us all, Two sons, two systems of justice, but one message for Indians: Fall in line, A timeline of hate, intimidation and injustice in Modi’s India, The Indian government continues to harass journalists. I’m facing prison over a tweet, As covid-19 devastates rural India, Modi and his ministers focus on covering up their incompetence, and Grief is overwhelming India. My family was no exception.
Afghanistan’s collapse, rising military violence, and the ongoing plight of migrants emerged as the leading storylines among winners of the 83rd Annual Overseas Press Club Awards.
