CD Web Desk
Mangaluru, Jan 25, 2016: Social activist Vidya Dinker was conferred the Lawrence Pinto Human Rights Award at a programme held at Kalaangann, Shaktinagar, here on Sunday.
The award was presented by Prof. M.I. Savadatti, scientist and former Vice-Chancellor of Mangalore University. It comprises a citation, a public honour and a cash prize of ₹1 lakh.
Ms Dinker, Convener of the Citizens’ Forum for Mangalore Development, is the second recipient of the award, after rationalist Narendra Nayak.
Speaking on the occasion, Ms Dinker said she would utilise the award money for social causes.
According to a press release issued here, Lawrence Pinto, in whose memory the award has been instituted, devoted his life to the service of the working class and the downtrodden. Friends of Lawry, with the aim of perpetuating his legacy, instituted the Lawrence Pinto Human Rights Award.
The selection committee chose Ms Dinker in recognition of her selfless struggle for people’s rights, her opposition to government-led displacement of locals under the SEZ project, and her courageous stand against the intimidation and violence of saffron extremist groups.
