The Indian-born British author survives life-threatening attack
Sir Salman Rushdie speaks up on extremism
Thursday 18 April 2024
Sir Salman Rushdie, the acclaimed Indian-born British author, recently shared his harrowing experience after being subjected to a vicious attack in 2022. The incident, which took place at the Chautauqua Institution in New York state, left him with irreversible injuries, including the loss of his right eye.
During the Attack, Rushdie, in an interview with Sky News, described the attack as an “unpleasant experience,” as the assailant had a clear advantage in reaching him, causing several severe injuries within a span of just 30 seconds. Rushdie shared the terrifying realization that he had initially believed it would be the end of his life.
Witnesses rush to help author after the attack
Rushdie’s Extraordinary Survival
Rushdie, aged 76, expressed his gratitude at narrowly escaping death from the attack. Despite being inflicted with numerous injuries, including a deep cut to his neck, he avoided any fatal injuries, such as an artery being hit. The author’s stroke of good fortune allowed him to survive the terrifying assault.
Rushdie’s Courage in the Face of Extremism
Salman Rushdie has remained a resolute figure when confronted with extremism throughout his writing career. Despite issuing a fatwa in 1989, when Iran’s then leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini called for his death, the author has consistently championed the freedom of expression.
In his latest work, “Knife: Meditations After An Attempted Murder,” Rushdie discusses the attack, emphasizing his desire to regain control of the narrative surrounding the incident.
A Plea Against Fanaticism
When queried about the recent Batley Grammar School incident, in which a teacher concealed due to showing a caricature of the Prophet Muhammad, Rushdie expressed his dismay. He considered the situation “terrible” and called for government action to prevent the spread of such fanaticism.
Rushdie’s Message to Young People
In a message aimed particularly towards the younger generation, Salman Rushdie encouraged the study of more encompassing forms of Islam prevalent in his childhood. He notably highlighted the Sufi tradition and its emphasis on peace, urging a broader understanding of Islam without the inclination for violence.
On 21 April, Rushdie will participate in a series of events hosted by the Southbank Centre’s Spring Literature and Spoken Word Season, addressing his newest book and his personal experience of the attack.
Sir Salman Rushdie, whose career began in the early 1970s, achieved critical acclaim and won the Booker Prize in 1981 for his monumental work, “Midnight’s Children,” depicting the birth of modern India.
