Arundhati Roy

Arundhati Roy, a well-established name in the literary and activist circles, has a series of accolades to her credit. She received the National Film Award for Best Screenplay in 1988, setting the stage for her successful career. Roy's literary prowess was further recognized in 1997 when she won the Booker Prize for her novel "The God of Small Things." The novel received widespread acclaim and made it to The New York Times Bestsellers list for Independent Fiction. Moving beyond fiction, Roy has actively contributed to contemporary politics and culture, collecting and publishing her essays in multiple volumes.

Known for her activism in human rights and environmental causes, Roy has been a strong voice against global issues. Her involvement in political advocacy, particularly her criticism of U.S. foreign policy and anti-globalization stance, has been prominent. Roy also actively participated in campaigns against the Narmada dam project, donating her Booker prize money and book royalties to the Narmada Bachao Andolan. Her engagement with various causes has not been limited to writing alone, as she has actively participated in forums such as the World Tribunal on Iraq in June 2005. Her speeches and opinion pieces have often stirred discussions, with topics ranging from the U.S. military invasion of Afghanistan to India's nuclear policies.

Aside from her literary pursuits and activism, Roy has also significantly contributed to the film and television industry. She wrote the television serial "The Banyan Tree" and directed the documentary "DAM/AGE: A Film with Arundhati Roy" in 2002. Besides, her novel "The Ministry of Utmost Happiness," published in June 2017, was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award for fiction in January 2018. Roy's dedication to her causes and ability to articulate complex issues seamlessly earned her awards like the Sydney Peace Prize in 2004 and the Orwell Award in 2004, but also made her a highly respected figure in her field. Her memoir, "Mother Mary Comes to Me," is set to release in September 2025.