Javed Akhtar Becomes The First Indian To Win The Prestigious Richard Dawkins Award, Says 'It's An Honour For Him'

Javed Akhtar has won the prestigious Richard Dawkins Award 2020

Popular writer-lyricist Javed Akhtar has won the prestigious Richard Dawkins Award 2020 for critical thinking, holding religious dogma upto scrutiny, advancing human progress and humanist values. Akhtar has become the first Indian to be given the honour, which recognises distinguished individual from the field of science, scholarship, education, or entertainment, who publicly proclaims the values of secularism and rationalism and upholding scientific truth. Be it on social media or sessions in different cities, 75-year-old Javed Akhtar has been vocal about topics like CAA and Islamophobia. When ABP News contacted Javed Akhtar, he said it was an honour for him to receive the prestigious award, I have been an admirer of Richard Dawkins ever since I read his first book 'the selfish gene'. He further added, I received a mail from the American board of centre for inquiry that I have been unanimously selected for the award this year. Richard Dawkins always emphasised on scientific thinking rather than superstition, I have read all his books and the logical thinking exposing religious superstitious beliefs have always impressed me, added Akhtar while speaking to ABP News. His proud wife and veteran actress Shabana Azmi said: "He is the only Indian ever (to win the award). Previous recipients include Bill Maher and Christopher Hitchens. It is a huge honour."

@Javedakhtarjadu wins Richard Dawkins Award 2020 for critical thinking , holding religious dogma upto scrutiny,advancing human progress and humanist values. Awesome ❤️ https://t.co/tJy9CBDOzI

— Azmi Shabana (@AzmiShabana) June 7, 2020

The award is named after world-renowned English evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins and is presented since 2003. Actor-comedian Ricky Gervais received the honour last year. Bollywood celebs like Anil Kapoor, Dia Mirza and others took to Twitter to congratulate Akhtar.

Knowing that Richard Dawkins has been your hero since you read 'The Selfish Gene', the prestigious Richard Dawkins Award must be extra special for you @Javedakhtarjadu Saab! It's a truly incredible honour! Congratulations! pic.twitter.com/J5EXqP2I8g

— Anil Kapoor (@AnilKapoor) June 7, 2020