Friday, March 15, 2019
Biography of Arundhati Roy:
Arundhati Roy is an Indian author, activist, and public intellectual known for her work in literature and her engagement with social and political issues. She was born on November 24, 1961, in Shillong, Meghalaya, India. Arundhati Roy gained international acclaim for her debut novel, "The God of Small Things," and has since become a prominent voice on a range of issues, including human rights, environmental justice, and anti-globalization activism.
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| Arundhati Roy |
Key Points in Arundhati Roy's Biography:
1. Early Life and Education of Arundhati Roy:
Arundhati Roy was born into a Keralite Syrian Christian family. Her mother, Mary Roy, was an activist and writer.
She studied architecture at the School of Planning and Architecture in New Delhi and later pursued a career as an architect.
2. Literary Career:
Arundhati Roy rose to prominence with her debut novel, "The God of Small Things," published in 1997. The novel won the Man Booker Prize for Fiction and brought her international acclaim.
3. Activism and Social Engagement:
After the success of her novel, Arundhati Roy became increasingly involved in social and political activism. She has been a vocal critic of globalization, corporate power, and government policies.
4. Narmada Bachao Andolan (NBA):
Arundhati Roy actively supported the Narmada Bachao Andolan, a social movement protesting the construction of large dams on the Narmada River. She criticized the displacement of communities and environmental damage caused by such projects.
5. Anti-Globalization Activism:
Roy emerged as a prominent figure in the anti-globalization movement, participating in protests and speaking out against the negative impacts of economic globalization, particularly on marginalized communities.
6. War on Terror and Imperialism:
In the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 attacks, Arundhati Roy criticized the U.S. response and the subsequent "war on terror." She spoke out against the invasion of Afghanistan and Iraq, highlighting the human cost of these conflicts.
7. Essays and Non-Fiction:
In addition to her fiction, Arundhati Roy has written numerous essays and non-fiction works on a wide range of topics, including politics, social justice, and the environment. Some of her notable works include "The Algebra of Infinite Justice" and "An Ordinary Person's Guide to Empire."
8. Awards and Recognition to Arundhati Roy:
Apart from the Man Booker Prize for "The God of Small Things," Arundhati Roy has received various awards for her writing and activism. Her work has been widely translated and has garnered international attention.
9. Environmental Activism:
Arundhati Roy has been involved in environmental activism, particularly in campaigns against large-scale mining and deforestation. She has highlighted the impact of such activities on indigenous communities and the environment.
10. Kashmir Issue:
Arundhati Roy has written extensively on the Kashmir conflict, expressing views that have stirred controversy. She has called for a peaceful resolution to the issue and criticized the Indian government's approach.
11. Personal Life of Arundhati Roy:
Arundhati Roy has been known for maintaining a relatively private personal life. She has been married twice, and her focus has largely been on her writing and activism.
Arundhati Roy's contributions to literature and her fearless engagement with social and political issues have established her as a prominent and influential figure. Her ability to use her platform to advocate for marginalized communities and to critique systems of power has made her a respected voice on the global stage.