On August 12, Salman Rushdie, a renowned author, was attacked on stage with a knife during a scheduled speech at the Chautauqua Institution in Upstate New York. Rushdie, who is known for the controversial novel “The Satanic Verses,” which received threats since publishing in the late 1980s, was stabbed in the neck and had to be hospitalized. The attack is believed to be related to the fatwa issued by Iran’s Supreme Leader, Khomeini, against Rushdie in 1989, which was later lifted. However, a group called the 15 Khordad Foundation placed a $3m bounty on Rushdie’s head.
Rushdie, who has written over a dozen books, found international success and accolades. One of his celebrated works was “Midnight’s Children,” which won the prestigious Booker Prize in 1981. The author has also been linked romantically with several women, including his former wife, Padma Lakshmi.
Salman Rushdie’s recent novel, “Victory City,” features Pampa Kampana, a creator-goddess who magically builds a city called Bisnaga out of the desert. The book continues Rushdie’s research into Indian culture and history, depicting them from a Hindu perspective, and is set against India’s history. It features compelling dialogues, diverse perspectives, and intertwining characters, making it an engaging read.
As of now, Rushdie is writing a follow-up to his memoir, “Joseph Anton,” about his experience of being attacked on stage last summer. He hopes the book about his attack, which is anticipated to be around 200 pages long, will take him no more than a year to write it. Rushdie is currently listed on TIME100, an annual roster of influential people in the world.
The attack on Rushdie is not only an assault on his personal integrity as a writer but also a threat to our freedom of expression. The fatwa was intended to intimidate all who valued free speech and nonviolent discourse. Despite living under protection and receiving death threats for over three decades, Rushdie has continued to write and share his stories with the world. His willingness to continue to create beautifully crafted narratives is inspiring. We must continue to bolster the freedom of speech as a fundamental right, uphold democracy and defend the arts’ vital role in our lives.
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