For Gaza children: Indian poetess Jacinta Kerketta refuses award co-sponsored by USAID

Indian Adivasi poetess Jacinta Kerketta has refused to accept an award from an US organisation, in protest of Washington’s support to Israel in the massacre of children and war crimes in Gaza.

Jacinta refused to accept “Room to Read Young Author Award,” jointly awarded by US AID & Room to Read India Trust. Award was for her children’s poetry collection, but she rejected honour in protest against Gaza genocide, showing solidarity with the oppressed Palestinian people.

Jacinta was selected for the award by an Indian non-governmental organization in collaboration with USAID for her ‘Room to Read Young Author Award 2024’ for her children’s poetry collection ‘Jirhul’.

The poetess declined to accept the award based on USAID’s ties to arms companies involved in the Gaza war.’

Renowned Adivasi poet Jacinta Kerketta has refused to accept “Room to Read Young Author Award,” jointly awarded by US AID & Room to Read India Trust. Award was for her children’s poetry collection, but she rejected honor in protest against Gaza genocide. https://t.co/4gP5fNFuXd

— Maktoob (@MaktoobMedia) September 30, 2024

She said that the local organization that selected her for the award works for children’s education, but it is funded by organizations like USAID, which does business with the arms companies that are responsible for the massacre of children in Gaza.

She further said that how the business of armaments and caring for children can continue together when the world of children is being destroyed with the same weapons.

She added that books are important for children, but thousands of children were killed in Palestine, but the elders could not protect these children.