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New Delhi : President of India Pranab Mukharjee presented “Dr Ambedkar National Award for Social Understanding and uplift of Weaker Sections” for the year 2011, 2012 and 2014 at a function here on May 26, 2017.
The award was instituted by the Government of India in 1992. The function was organized by The Ambedkar Foundation under Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The award consists of a citation and Rs 10 lakh as cash prize, said a PIB release.
The award for 2011 was presented to Professor S K Thorat of New Delhi for his contributions towards the uplift of the downtrodden. The award for 2012 was presented to Samta Sainik Dal for its extraordinary services. The award for 2014 was jointly presented to Shri Babu Lal Nirmal of Rajasthan for his extraordinary contributions in upholding the rights of poor in rural and urban areas of Baran District and to Amar Sewa Sangam of Tamil Nadu for its extraordinary services being extended for the welfare of the marginalized population of the society including the physically and mentally challenged persons.
Speaking on the occasion President Mukherjee said that social justice is the most important factor in the development of a developing country. He said that political freedom is nothing, political liberation is nothing, political justice is nothing, unless there is social justice. Indian Constitution starts with “We the people of India” and it has given the people justice, equality and liberty. He said that the Government alone can’t do such things and the involvement of people and organizations is necessary, according to a PIB release.
He congratulated the Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Thaawarchand Gehlot and Ministry officials for extraordinary work done by the Ministry. He congratulated the awardees for this prestigious award and called upon the people to emulate their principles.