In stunning reversal, Nayantara Sahgal, 9 other writers agree to take back Akademi award, but face bashing on Twitter

Twitter bashes Nayantara and team for running political campaign through award wapsi

January 22, 2016, NewsCrunch

Noted writer and Nehru clan member Nayantara Sahgal has agreed to take back the award from Sahitya Akademi, which she had returned last year protesting rising intolerance in the country.

ABP Live reports that nine other writers have agreed to take back the award though only Rajasthani writer Nand Bhardwaj has gone on record till now confirming the development.

About 40 writers had returned their awards over the Akademi's  silence and inaction over the killing of rationalists.
Speaking to The Hindustan Times, Nayantara said  the Akademi had written a letter to her saying it was against their policy to receive the returned award.

The Akademi has also returned a Rs One lakh cheque, which she said would be used on worthwhile causes.

Bhardwaj told HT that he was “satisfied” with the response of the Akademi.

Yielding to the pressure from writers Sahitya Akademi had passed a resolution in October condemning the murders. But it remains to be seen how other writers who had returned the award would react to the development.

Shashi Deshpande, for instance, had said clearly that she was returning the award as the Academy had failed to address the issue. She had pointed out instances in which Akademi had a chance to respond but had failed to do so.

While the response of other writers is awaited, Twitter is aleady out with its verdict. Nayantara and team seems to be heading for some serious bashing over what many described as politically motivated campaign.  

Twitter bashes Nayantara and team for running political campaign through award wapsi