Mangaluru: Lawrence Pinto Human Rights Award conferred to Vidya Dinkar

Bellevision Media Network

Mangaluru, 25 Jan 2016: The second Lawrence Pinto Human Rights Award was awarded to Vidya Dinkar, by the eminent scientist and educationist, Professor M I Savadatti at Kalaangann, here on Sunday January 24.

 

The award consisted of – a shawl, a garland, fruits, a citation and a purse of Rs 1 lac.

 

 

Loy Noronha, the chairman of Friends of Lawry, welcomed the gathering.

 

Eric Ozario, the secretary, spoke about Lawrence Pinto and the Award.

 

Dr Ravishankar Rao, head of the English department, Mangalore University, introduced the chief guest Professor Savadatti.

 

Nynette Tellis read the citation letter. Leena Pinto, wife of the late Lawrence Pinto garlanded the awardee. Professor Savadatti did the honours. The treasurer Walter Veigas handed over a purse of Rs 1 lac.

 

Vidya Dinkar in her response stated that she was proud to be a social activist and that she, energised by this award, would work with added vigour, for causes close to her heart, such as, oppressed women, children, ecology, the downtrodden etc..   

 

Professor Savadatti said that people such as Vidya, who take pleasure in the happiness of the oppressed when they obtain justice, are rare and invaluable. Though young, he said that the awardee has inspired a large number of people and should continue to do so in the future too.

 

Jacqueline Fernandes compered the programme, proposed the vote of thanks and also called upon the gathering to suggest a worthy to receive the award next year.