Edna Fernandes - Journalist, Author on religion, politics, foreign affairs » religion

Holy Warriors shortlisted for TR Fyvel prize

admin — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 04:30:18 +0000

Holy Warriors was shortlisted for the 2008 Index on Censorship TR Fyvel prize. The book was one of four chosen from around the world. See Freedom of Expression awards.

Articles on: Blair’s new mission, plus the Taliban’s birthplace

admin — Thu, 16 Oct 2008 03:31:43 +0000

Edna Fernandes’ article “Faith Healers” explores Blair’s effort to champion global interfaith dialogue. Also see my article “Allah’s Ambassadors“, giving unique insight into the Darul Uloom madrassa, spiritual birthplace of the Taliban.

Naseem Khan, Guardian

edna — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 20:42:34 +0000

‘What a cast of characters make their way through this sharp-witted and straight-talking book: the fatuous and the venal, the self-important and the deluded, the exploitative and the corrupt. Edna Fernandes has undertaken to track down figures who epitomise the most depressing facet of Indian life – its holy warriors – as well as some of their victims. Her odyssey takes her far and wide – from Nagaland and Kashmir in the north down via Punjab and on to Goa… The reportage is even-handed and responsible and even delightfully witty. Fernandes’ asides are precise and wicked. Above all, she offers a valuable reminder of the dark side of the economic miracle that is modern India.’ Read the review at the Guardian

The Independent

edna — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 20:41:34 +0000

‘Fernandes reports on India’s differences with compelling insight. Holy Warriors makes for vital reading, showing India’s urgent need to rearticulate an inclusive identity, to master change and exceed past glories,’ Read the review at The Independent.

Pick of the Paperbacks, Daily Telegraph

edna — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:36:08 +0000

‘Witty and incisive, Holy Warriors offers a compelling insight into the imperiled state of India’s secular ideal,’ (Read review at the Telegraph)

Simon Long, Asia Editor, Economist

edna — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:28:18 +0000

This is a remarkable, brave, moving, disturbing, funny and at times beautiful book. It tackles head-on the great Indian paradox, which most observers tend to ignore or obfuscate: that India is a centre of religion and spirituality, and hence of tolerance, celebrating the many paths available to those seeking the Godhead; yet it has also been home to some of the most terrible atrocities committed anywhere in the name of religion,’See Simon’s Review on Amazon.

Nihal Arthanayake, BBC Radio One DJ

edna — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:11:38 +0000

‘This is an amazing book. Anyone interested in religions and how they get on – or don’t – should get hold of it.’

Business World

edna — Fri, 03 Oct 2008 19:08:03 +0000

‘Excellent…Holy Warriors shows up in all its ugliness the cancer of religious bigotry and intolerance that afflicts all communities – Sikhs, Christians, Hindus and Muslims. It is a vivid and shocking mosaic,’

May 2006 – London School of Economics

edna — Thu, 02 Oct 2008 21:10:01 +0000

London School of Economics. A panel discussion on religious fundamentalism in India: with Edna Fernandes, author of Holy Warriors, leading LSE academics, Amnesty International and the BBC. See LSE website for more details