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Congratulations to Norsk PEN for 100 years of positive impact!
Thursday 20 October 2022, by
Source: Shuddashar, oct.20, 2022
Congratulations to Norsk PEN for 100 years of positive impact!
Dear friend,
Greetings!
Norsk PEN Norway has devoted 100 years to honoring the pen – that simple yet creative and brave tool for truth, freedom, and justice. Today marks Norsk PEN’s 100th year celebration, and Shuddhashar FreeVoice extends to them a heart-felt congratulations!
Norsk PEN began only a year after the first PEN began in London, UK, where it started as a gathering place for writers to share ideas and community, to support and inspire each other in the time after World War I. Since then, PEN International grew quickly to become a leader of human rights and a strong defender of freedom of speech.
Norsk PEN has an important role in promoting these values in Norway and supporting free speech in all countries. Through their work, Norsk PEN reminds us that we need to stay vigilant in order to protect our democratic rights and freedom of expression. Today, we are remembering Norsk PEN’s tremendous role in taking care of exiled writers and writers who were persecuted, jailed, tortured, and censored in their home countries. Because Norsk PEN works closely with International Cities of Refuge Network, they help ICORN writers and artists find opportunities to share their work and stories.
Norsk PEN also selects award winners of the prestigious Ossietzky Prize, named after the German pacifist and journalist who warned about the rise of Nazism in Germany and their violation of the Treaty of Versailles. The Ossietzky Prize, awarded to a person or group that has made an important contribution to freedom of expression, has been awarded to some exiled writers, inspiring writers. Among these prize recipients is Shuddhashar’s editor-in-chief and publisher Ahmedur Chowdhury.
Shuddhashar wishes Norsk PEN another 100 years of inspiring writers and journalists and promoting freedom of expression and democratic culture in Norway and elsewhere. We thank you for your hard, brave work.
Yours in solidarity
Team Shuddhashar
