Salman Rushdie was honored with the 'Lifetime Disturbing the Peace Award' by the Vaclav Havel Center in Manhattan, New York, USA.

Background:
- The Vaclav Havel Center is a non-profit organization that aims to promote human rights, democracy, and civil society.
- The center is named after Vaclav Havel, the former President of Czechoslovakia and Czech Republic, who was a renowned playwright, essayist, and human rights activist.

Reason for the Award:
- Salman Rushdie is an acclaimed British-Indian author who has made significant contributions to literature and has been a vocal advocate for freedom of expression and human rights.
- He is best known for his novel "The Satanic Verses," which was published in 1988 and became highly controversial due to its portrayal of Islam and its prophet.
- The publication of "The Satanic Verses" led to a fatwa issued against Rushdie by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini, the Supreme Leader of Iran at that time.
- The fatwa called for the killing of Rushdie and anyone involved in the publication of the book.
- Rushdie went into hiding and lived under police protection for several years, as the fatwa posed a serious threat to his life.
- Despite the challenges and dangers he faced, Rushdie continued to write and speak out against censorship, religious fundamentalism, and oppression.

Significance of the Award:
- The 'Lifetime Disturbing the Peace Award' recognizes Rushdie's courage, resilience, and unwavering commitment to freedom of expression.
- It acknowledges his contributions to literature and his willingness to challenge societal norms and oppressive forces.
- The award is a testament to Rushdie's enduring impact and his dedication to promoting dialogue, understanding, and the importance of free speech in a democratic society.

Conclusion:
Salman Rushdie was honored with the 'Lifetime Disturbing the Peace Award' by the Vaclav Havel Center in recognition of his literary achievements and his courageous stance against censorship and oppression. This award not only celebrates Rushdie's contributions but also serves as a reminder of the importance of freedom of expression and the need to protect it.