In the past year, India has witnessed the rise of right-wing nationalism. Hindu nationalists have intimidated and murdered the nation's rationalists and critics. Most recent is the murder of M.M. Kalburgi, a scholar critical of the religion's practice of idolatry. All this violence is met with inaction from the Indian government. In response, India's most notable writers are returning their esteemed awards back to the National Academy of Letters in protest. We speak to a theatre director and performer who herself has returned her award in solidarity.

This report was produced by Aziff Azuddin, Aisyah Tajuddin, Sharyl Kaur and Muhammad Haniff Baharudin.

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Tags:  india arts,  Hindu nationalist,  Awards,  National Academy of Letters