Freedom of expression is a right guaranteed in the Constitution. It’s also something that one has to fight for from time to time. Authors are often known to be on the frontline of this fight with the axe of censorship falling on their pen. From getting death threats and being attacked, and from facing a ban to being banished to jail, this fraternity is always fighting to be heard. With Independence Day only a few days away, we list eight authors, who light up lives with their fire.

1 Salman Rushdie:

The name that popped into our head before others was the feisty Salman Rushdie. The India-born and UK-based author known for his advocacy of free speech survived death threats, fatwa and a brutal attack that left him blind in one eye. But as they say, the pen is mightier than the sword and the award-winning author’s spirit remains unbridled and unbreakable. His unwavering commitment to free speech and intellectual freedom have inspired generations of writers and thinkers.

2 Arundhati Roy:

Arundhati Roy is another outspoken writer who refuses to bow to forces that try to stifle her voice. She is the embodiment of courage. The sanction to prosecute the Booker Prize-winning author under UAPA might be looming large on her but she continues to win appreciation for her powerful voice. She was recently awarded the PEN Pinter Prize which only goes to prove that Roy is on the right path.

3 Rahman Abbas:

This Urdu writer’s books were termed obscene. He even had to spend time in jail before sanity prevailed and he was acquitted. Mumbai-based Abbas who has won multiple Sahitya Akademi Awards for his work is known for being bold. His writing is a powerful exploration of the human condition, weaving together themes of love, loss and resilience. His novels, such as Nakhlistan ki Talash and Khuda Ke Saaye Mein Aankh Micholi, delve into the complexities of human relationships, social inequality and political turmoil.

4 Perumal Murugan:

This Tamil literary award winner faced threats and persecution for his novel One Part Woman from conservative groups for its portrayal of childlessness and fertility rituals. He is known for writing on sensitive topics like caste, gender, and social inequality, challenging societal norms and traditions. Despite the controversy, Murugan’s novels have received critical acclaim for their raw, unflinching portrayal of rural Tamil life and their exploration of themes like love, family and identity. His writing is a testament to the power of literature to spark important conversations and challenge societal norms.

5 John Boyne:

The author of the critically-acclaimed book Boy in The Stripped Pyjamas is known for his thought-provoking and emotionally-charged novels, some of which have sparked controversy and debate. Novels like The Boy in the Striped Pyjamas (2006) and The Absolutist (2011) have generated controversy for their portrayal of sensitive topics, including the holocaust, homosexuality and identity, and clerical abuse and its cover-up. However, no amount of criticism could ever put any restraint on his pen.

6 Margaret Atwood:

Canadian author and poet Margaret Atwood is celebrated for her unwavering outspokenness on various issues including censorship and free speech, social justice, reproductive rights for women and more. Atwood’s unflinching outspokenness has earned her both acclaim and criticism. However, her commitment to truth and challenging societal norms have cemented her status as a literary icon and a powerful voice for change.

7 Dave Eggers:

The Pulitzer Prize-winning author and co-founder of the anti-censorship organisation, PEN America moves readers with his writing. He tackles complex and often controversial issues with unflinching honesty and compassion. Eggers pushes literary boundaries, experimenting with genre-bending styles to convey powerful messages. With novels like What Is the What, Zeitoun, The Circle and more Eggers inspires readers to engage with difficult truths, challenge their assumptions, and strive for a more just and compassionate world.

8 Taslima Nasrin:

The Bangladeshi author had to be on our list for speaking her mind and surviving the deluge of criticism from hardliners. From seeking asylum to fielding death threats and fighting for what she believes in, the Bangla writer has faced it all. A symbol of resistance against religious fundamentalism and a staunch advocate of women’s rights, Nasrin’s unfiltered pen has often been at the eye of the storm. Yet, she stands her ground.