“‘From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free’ is a misunderstood slogan. Some interpret it as a slogan calling for a One State solution and the ethnic cleansing of Jews. This misunderstanding is why the real meaning of the slogan should be explained and emphasized – it is a call for a land where Muslims, Jews, Christians, and all others can live together in peace and harmony and with equal rights,” he said.

Patwardhan applauded those who pulled out of the festival and sparked an international debate and those who stayed back to continue the debate from within. He also lauded those who allowed the space to do it.

He further added, “Our protests have been non-violent. Non-violence can build a global community. In many parts of the world Palestinians and Jews are marching together with others to demand an immediate ceasefire and a just peace.”

He ended his speech by saying, “The entire world is enslaved by a global arms industry that profits from every war and from every death. It is from this slavery that our world must be set free.”

Patwardhan won the award for his film titled Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam/The World is Family.