Nomination open to M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award 2016
By vigilindia 20:14 award , feature , VIM info , viminmedia
Vigil India Movement a national level Human Rights Organisation, Bangalore invites Nominations to the M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award 2016.
The Award honours individuals/organizations in India who have made significant contributions for the protection and promotion of human rights in India in the preceding years and continues to be working on issues directly relating to human rights. The Award instituted by the Vigil India Movement in 1993, in memory of its Founder President Rev. Dr. M.A. Thomas, carries a cash prize of Rupees One lakh and a citation.
The nominations are placed before a three-member jury comprising of distinguished personalities. The jury selects the winner and the awardee is announced on June 25, the death anniversary of the Rev. Dr. M. A. Thomas. The award is presented on August 10, the birth anniversary of the Rev. Dr. M. A.Thomas.
Nominations are to be submitted on the prescribed form available at the National Office and can also be downloaded.
Application form for MAT Award 2016
Get e-brochure
The letter of nominations should clearly mention why the individual or the organization has been nominated for the award. The nomination should contain the nominee's contribution towards the protection and promotion of human rights in India, highlighting the activities, achievements and its impact on society and / or the state policy. A brief resume of the nominee should also be included. Wherever possible, supporting materials such as newspaper clippings, photographs, etc. may be submitted.
Nomination form must be sent in a sealed envelope inscribed with the words Nomination for M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award 2016 to Vigil India Movement, 61, Charles Campbell Road, Cox Town, Bangalore- 560 005, so as to reach us on or before April 30, 2016.
For further details contact
vigilindiamovement@gmail.com or visit www.vigilindia.info
John VM Juliana
Programme Manager
Vigil India Movement,
61, Charles Campbell Road,
Cox Town,
Bangalore- 560 005
India
Phone: +91-80-25486831, 25487114
The nominations are placed before a three-member jury comprising of distinguished personalities. The jury selects the winner and the awardee is announced on June 25, the death anniversary of the Rev. Dr. M. A. Thomas. The award is presented on August 10, the birth anniversary of the Rev. Dr. M. A.Thomas.
Nominations are to be submitted on the prescribed form available at the National Office and can also be downloaded.
Application form for MAT Award 2016
Get e-brochure
The letter of nominations should clearly mention why the individual or the organization has been nominated for the award. The nomination should contain the nominee's contribution towards the protection and promotion of human rights in India, highlighting the activities, achievements and its impact on society and / or the state policy. A brief resume of the nominee should also be included. Wherever possible, supporting materials such as newspaper clippings, photographs, etc. may be submitted.
Nomination form must be sent in a sealed envelope inscribed with the words Nomination for M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award 2016 to Vigil India Movement, 61, Charles Campbell Road, Cox Town, Bangalore- 560 005, so as to reach us on or before April 30, 2016.
For further details contact
vigilindiamovement@gmail.com or visit www.vigilindia.info
John VM Juliana
Programme Manager
Vigil India Movement,
61, Charles Campbell Road,
Cox Town,
Bangalore- 560 005
India
Phone: +91-80-25486831, 25487114
Smt. Bandari Jayamma received M A Thomas National Human Rights Award 2014
By vigilindia 01:42 award , awardees , feature
The M A Thomas National Human Rights Award 2014, was given away to Smt. Bandari Jayamma, at the function held on 20 September 2014 at the Osmania University Center for International Programme, Hyderabad.
Dr. J.A. Oliver welcomed the Hon’ble Gusts and the delegates for the Award Function. Adv. Pratap Reddy, in his presidential remarks briefly explained about the genesis of the M A Thomas National Human Rights Award, the founder Dr. M.A. Thomas and his contribution to the society through Vigil India Movement and Dr. Mathews George Chunakara, Hon. Director, VIM explained about the selection process, jury’s recommendation and also read the citation that honours Bandari Jayamma.
Dr. A. Chakrapani, Hon’ble Chariman, Andhra Pradesh State Legislative Council, then presented the prestigious M A Thomas National Human Rights Award 2014. Dr. Chakrapani extended his greetings to Jayamma for her effortless service in protecting human trafficking and promoting the human dignity among the victims of trafficking and also called upon the people’s movement to join with Jayamma to uphold the dignity of the vulnerable community.
In the presence of Dr. A. Chakrapani, the VIM felicitated Adv. K. Pratap Reddy, National President, VIM for his contribution to the Vigil India Movement since its inception as one of the founding trustees and as a President since 1994. Justice K. Ramaswamy, former Justice, Supreme Court of India delivered a felicitation address.
Bandari Jayamma expressed and extended her gratitude to Vigil India Movement for the prestigious Award in recognition of her service to the community in her acceptance speech. Dr. Cherian Thomas, Secretary and Trustee of VIM thanked the honourable guests and delegates at the function.
M. A THOMAS NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD - 2014
Awarded to
Ms. BANDARI JAYAMMA
Human trafficking is a serious crime and a grave violation of human rights. Every year, thousands of women, men and children become victims of trafficking in persons within a country or beyond the borders of a country. Almost every country in the world is affected by human trafficking, whether as a country of origin, transit or destination of victims. An alarming global phenomenon of trafficking in persons by means of coercion and deception for commercial sex exploitation plagues in many parts of India, especially where poverty, illiteracy, unemployment, and the suppression of women’s rights are rampant.
It is in this context that the commitment of Ms. Bandari Jayamma, a barefoot soldier, who fights against this evil of human trafficking, is valued. A survivor of sex trafficking herself, Jayamma defends, supports and empowers women trafficked and coerced into commercial sex trade. In a society where sex trade flourishes at every nook and corner and though legally banned, Jayamma fights for the rights and dignity of those involved in the trade for survival. Based in Hyderabad, the city with over 25,000 commercial sex workers of whom 60 percent were forced into this practice, Jayamma initiated the founding of Chaitanya Mahila Mandali, an NGO that empowers sex workers and sex trafficking survivors to lead a dignified life. Jayamma started the organization in 2001 after surviving trafficking and coercion into sexual slavery as a young woman in her own life. Chaitanya Mahila Mandali is the first ever Indian non-profit organization that has been founded by a survivor who has lived the pain and trauma of human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Jayamma’s leadership through Chaitainya Mahila Mandali in rescuing victims of human trafficking and those who are forced into sex trade, providing counseling, healthcare, skills training, and legal aid, income-generating activities for commercial sex workers is highly commendable. Chaitainya Mahila Mandali has so far prevented at least 25,000 girls and women from entering into sex work. While spearheading the campaign against human trafficking and sex trade, Jayamma has partnered with regional and national organizations to address this growing menace. Her active participation as a Member of the Core committee planning for National AIDS Control Programme Phase IV (2012-17) has significantly influenced and contributed to making community participation mandatory in the programme. Her tireless effort of lobbying has also helped many victims of sex trafficking to take part in high level policy decisions.
Jayamma’s commitment to be actively involved in rescuing and supporting girl children of sex workers who are at high risk of sexual exploitation, and her concern for the victims motivated her to open the Chaitanya Happy Home. Chaitanya is a halfway home that provides shelter, medical care and education to children of sex workers, who would have been abused and forced into sex trade, had they been left with their mothers. Jayamma provides them love, care, fear-free environment and education to live in dignity. As Akshaya, a sex worker turned a Peer Educator says, “I always looked at myself with self-loathing and helplessness because that is how the society looked at me. But since I met Jayamma, I have learned to look at myself as a human being who has equal rights like others and who can stand up for herself.”
In selecting Jayamma Bandari for the Rev. Dr. M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award 2014, the members of the Jury and the Board of Trustees of Vigil India Movement recognize Jayamma Bandari’s tireless efforts and dedication towards defending the rights and dignity of the most defenseless and vulnerable women and children in society: the trafficked, the abused, the exploited and the abandoned. Her work is a shining example of reclaiming the human dignity, the birthright of every human being, especially the exploited women and children.
Justice P.P. Bopanna Advocate K. Pratap Reddy Managing Trustee, VIM President, VIM
Smt. Bandari Jayamma gets the M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award – 2014
By vigilindia 20:17 award , feature
A three member Jury - Hon. Justice Shri. R. Jayasimha Babu, (former Senior Judge, Madras High Court) Mr. Akbar Mirza Khaleeli, (former Ambassador of India to different countries and Board of Trustee of VIM) and Dr. Cherian Thomas, (Director of Ecumenical Christian Centre and Secretary & Trustee of VIM)unanimously selected Smt. Bandari Jayamma for the award from among the nominations received from various parts of the Country.
Smt. Bandari Jayamma, has contributed immensely in the field of anti-human trafficking and rescued and rehabilitated thousands of young girls, children and women who were being forced into commercial sex work and she has consistently promoted and protected the rights of commercial sex workers in Hyderabad. Ms. Jayamma herself was a victim of human trafficking and she was first sex worker got rescued and given a dignified job as Coordinator in one of the leading NGOs in Andhra Pradesh. As things progressed, she has rehabilitated number of commercial sex workers and established Chaithanya Mahila Mandali (CMM) in 2001. As a president of CMM, Mrs. Jayamma addresses the issues and concerns of neglected and suffering group of society – sex workers. Today, Mrs. Jayamma is known as Mother Jayamma in Hyderabad.
Vigil India Movement instituted the M. A. Thomas National Human Rights Award in 1994 in memory of its Founder President Late Dr. M.A. Thomas. The Award with One Lakh of Rupees and a Citation will be presented to Mrs. Jayamma at an award ceremony to be held at Hyderabad preferably in August 2014 in line with the birth anniversary of the Founder (10 August).
By vigilindia 22:42 award
Dr. M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award
The Award honours individuals/organizations in India who have made significant contributions for the protection and promotion of human rights in India
Nominations are to be submitted on the prescribed form available with the National Office of the Vigil India Movement, You can also download the nomination form from our website www.vigilindia.info.
Nomination form must be sent in a sealed envelope inscribed with the words Nomination for M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award 2014 to Vigil India Movement, 61, Charles Campbell Road, Cox Town, Bangalore- 560 005, so as to reach us on or before April 30, 2014.
For further details download MAT Award Brochure or contact
With kind regards
John VM Juliana
Programme Manager
Vigil India Movement
JAN SAHAS of Madhya Pradesh and Sr. Dr. Mary Litty jointly shares the M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award – 2012.
By vigilindia 21:27 award , feature
JAN SAHAS of Madhya Pradesh and Sr. Dr. Mary Litty jointly shares the M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award – 2012.
A three member Jury - Justice Shri. K.A. Swamy, (former Chief Justice of Madras High Court) Mr. Peter Lynn Sinai (former Ambassador) and Dr. Mathews George Chunakara (Director, CCIA, World Council of Churches, Geneva) unanimously selected ‘JAN SAHAS’ and Sr. Dr. Mary Litty for the award from among the nominations received from various parts of the Country.
‘JAN SAHAS’ which is working among the dalits and deprived community in Madhya Pradesh has been doing enormous work in the area of protecting and ensuring human dignity to the Manual Scavengers, the Dalits and the Landless people and fighting on their behalf several cases in the Courts and rehabilitating them and bringing them into the mainstream of the society. Jan Sahas started as a small group to support the Manual Scavengers in 2000 and gradually established as a movement to protect and promote the rights of the deprived marginalized community.
Sr. Dr. Mary Litty founded the Little Servants of the Divine Providence in 1988 to take care of the Children and elders on the streets and she has been doing commendable service in as much as she has undertaken in protecting and promoting the human dignity of the physically challenged persons and poor children who are denied of their right to life and rejected by their own parents.
Vigil India Movement instituted the M A Thomas National Human Rights Award in 1994 in memory of its Founder President Late Dr. M.A. Thomas. The Award with One Lakh of Rupees and a Citation will be given away by the Governor of Karnataka, His Excellency Dr. Hans Raj Bhardwaj at an award ceremony to be held in Bangalore on the 10th August, 2012, the birth anniversary of the Founder.
Nomination Form
By vigilindia 00:33 award
Vigil India Movement – Bangalore
M.A. THOMAS NATIONAL HUMAN RIGHTS AWARD 2016
Nomination Form
Nominee: | ||||
Name | Sex | |||
Age / Date of Birth | ||||
Address | ||||
Telephone | Email | |||
Please state the organization (if any) to which the nominee is affiliated and the nominee’s position in the organization | ||||
Name of the Organization | ||||
Address | ||||
Web address | Email | |||
Reasons for nomination (to be written in a separate sheet) Ø Please justify your nomination by describing clearly the nominee’s contribution towards the protection and promotion of human rights in Ø Please include a brief resume of the nominee. Ø Please attach any reference material in connection with the above that you may have. | ||||
Nominator | ||||
Name | Profession | |||
Address | ||||
Telephone | Email | |||
For Office Use Only | ||||
The M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award - 2010
By vigilindia 21:19 award , feature
The M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award presentation ceremony was held at 04.30pm on 10th August 2010, the birth anniversary of Dr. M.A. Thomas at the Student Christian Movement Hall, Bangalore. Dr. Mani Chacko, Secretary, Board of Trustees of VIM welcomed the distinguished guests, invitees and the vigil group members for the ceremony.
The programme was chaired by Adv. K. Pratap Reddy, President of Vigil India Movement. The Chief Guest of the function was Honourable Justice S.R. Nayak, Chairperson of Karnataka State Human Rights Commission and the former Judge, Chhattisgarh State. Dr. M.J. Joseph, Managing Trustee, Dr. Mathews George, Honorary Director, Justice Bopanna, Mr. Akbar Mirza Khaleeli, Mrs. Anila George and Mrs. Shyla Nair, Board of Trustees of VIM were also present.
Adv. K. Pratap Reddy made the presidential remarks. He said that Fr. Jacob. P.J deserves the honour for his effortless service and extraordinary contribution for the empowerment of people in Northern Karnataka. He also briefly summarized the synopsis of M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award and listed out the previous awardees. Mrs. Anila George, read out the citation consists of Fr. Jacob’s achievements.
After reading the Citation, the Honourable Justice S.R. Nayak presented the award to Fr. Jacob. P.J. The award cash prize of Rs. 100.000/- and a memorable Citation. After presenting the award, Justice S.R. Nayak appreciated Fr. Jacob.P.J. Catholic Diocese of Belgaum for his work among the vulnerable communities in Dharward.
In his address, Justice Nayak expressed his concern over the poor, downtrodden and the city slum dwellers that were forced to live in unhygienic conditions. The poor’s were not given proper housing, health and education facilities, instead the Karnataka state government allots Bangalore Development Authorities sites to politicians and VIPs under the ‘G’ category, which affects the poor go homeless. He regretted that the state had failed to protect the people and their rights. He also stress that manual scavenging is a violation of constitutional rights and he insisted that protecting the rights of every individual is the duty of the government. We need more people like Fr. Jacob to ensure human rights and force the government to work for the people, he added.
Dr. Mathews George Chunakara, Honorary Director of VIM recalled the achievement of Fr. Jacob as MLA in 1983 – 85 and the subsequent consultation in VIM about Fr. Jacob in his felicitation speech. He added that Fr. Jacob’s contribution to human rights, and socio-economic development set the examples for the youngsters to follow his path.
Fr. Jacob said in his acceptance speech that he was influenced by several leaders like Gandhi and Martin Luther King. Fr. Jacob kept familiarizing himself with Vigil India through newsletters, periodicals and very much impressed by the work of Dr. Thomas that has led him to work for the human cause, he added. Hence, he criticized the division of work into skilled and unskilled labour. The skilled and unskilled discrimination is nothing but reintroduction of slavery in a different garb and it should be abolished and the labour paid in proportion to the input of effort and energy. He also raised his concern over food security, rural poverty, right to education and right to equality and quote that our struggle should be for universal human rights.
The programme came to an end with a vote of thanks by Mr. John VM Juliana, Programme Manager, Vigil India Movement.
MAT Award Nomination Procedure - 2012
By vigilindia 23:49 award
Vigil India Movement a national level Human Rights Organisation, Bangalore invites Nominations to the M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award 2012.
The Award honours individuals/organizations inIndia who have made significant contributions for the protection and promotion of human rights in India
The nominations are placed before a three-member jury comprising of distinguished personalities. The jury selects the winner and the awardee is announced on June 25, the death anniversary of the Rev. Dr. M. A. Thomas. The award is presented on August 10, the birth anniversary of the Rev. Dr. M. A.Thomas.
The Award honours individuals/organizations in
The nominations are placed before a three-member jury comprising of distinguished personalities. The jury selects the winner and the awardee is announced on June 25, the death anniversary of the Rev. Dr. M. A. Thomas. The award is presented on August 10, the birth anniversary of the Rev. Dr. M. A.Thomas.
Nominations are to be submitted on the prescribed form available at the National Office and can also be downloaded.
The letter of nominations should clearly mention why the individual or the organization has been nominated for the award. The nomination should contain the nominee’s contribution towards the protection and promotion of human rights in India, highlighting the activities, achievements and its impact on society and / or the state policy. A brief resume of the nominee should also be included. Wherever possible, supporting materials such as newspaper clippings, photographs, etc. may be submitted.
Nomination form must be sent in a sealed envelope inscribed with the words Nomination for M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award 2012 to Vigil India Movement, 61, Charles Campbell Road, Cox Town, Bangalore- 560 005, so as to reach us on or before April 25, 2012.
For further details contact
John VM Juliana
Programme Manager
Vigil India Movement,
Programme Manager
Vigil India Movement,
61, Charles Campbell Road,
Cox Town,
Bangalore- 560 005
India
Phone: +91-80-25486831, 25487114
Phone: +91-80-25486831, 25487114
M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award
By vigilindia 00:36 award , feature , reports
The M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award presentation ceremony was held at 04.30pm on 10th August 2010, the birth anniversary of Dr. M.A. Thomas at the Student Christian Movement Hall, Bangalore. Dr. Mani Chacko, Secretary, Board of Trustees of VIM welcomed the distinguished guests, invitees and the vigil group members for the ceremony.
The programme was chaired by Adv. K. Pratap Reddy, President of Vigil India Movement. The Chief Guest of the function was Honourable Justice S.R. Nayak, Chairperson of Karnataka State Human Rights Commission and the former Judge, Chhattisgarh State. Dr. M.J. Joseph, Managing Trustee, Dr. Mathews George, Honorary Director, Justice Bopanna, Mr. Akbar Mirza Khaleeli, Mrs. Anila George and Mrs. Shyla Nair, Board of Trustees of VIM were also present.
Adv. K. Pratap Reddy made the presidential remarks. He said that Fr. Jacob. P.J deserves the honour for his effortless service and extraordinary contribution for the empowerment of people in Northern Karnataka. He also briefly summarized the synopsis of M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award and listed out the previous awardees. Mrs. Anila George, read out the citation consists of Fr. Jacob’s achievements.
After reading the Citation, the Honourable Justice S.R. Nayak presented the award to Fr. Jacob. P.J. The award cash prize of Rs. 100.000/- and a memorable Citation. After presenting the award, Justice S.R. Nayak appreciated Fr. Jacob.P.J. Catholic Diocese of Belgaum for his work among the vulnerable communities in Dharward.
In his address, Justice Nayak expressed his concern over the poor, downtrodden and the city slum dwellers that were forced to live in unhygienic conditions. The poor’s were not given proper housing, health and education facilities, instead the Karnataka state government allots Bangalore Development Authorities sites to politicians and VIPs under the ‘G’ category, which affects the poor go homeless. He regretted that the state had failed to protect the people and their rights. He also stress that manual scavenging is a violation of constitutional rights and he insisted that protecting the rights of every individual is the duty of the government. We need more people like Fr. Jacob to ensure human rights and force the government to work for the people, he added.
Dr. Mathews George Chunakara, Honorary Director of VIM recalled the achievement of Fr. Jacob as MLA in 1983 – 85 and the subsequent consultation in VIM about Fr. Jacob in his felicitation speech. He added that Fr. Jacob’s contribution to human rights, and socio-economic development set the examples for the youngsters to follow his path.
Fr. Jacob said in his acceptance speech that he was influenced by several leaders like Gandhi and Martin Luther King. Fr. Jacob kept familiarizing himself with Vigil India through newsletters, periodicals and very much impressed by the work of Dr. Thomas that has led him to work for the human cause, he added. Hence, he criticized the division of work into skilled and unskilled labour. The skilled and unskilled discrimination is nothing but reintroduction of slavery in a different garb and it should be abolished and the labour paid in proportion to the input of effort and energy. He also raised his concern over food security, rural poverty, right to education and right to equality and quote that our struggle should be for universal human rights.
M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award
By vigilindia 00:06 award
The M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award, instituted in 1993, in memory of Rev. Dr. M.A. Thomas, Founder President of Vigil India Movement, is given biannually to an individual or institution who/that has made significant contributions in the field of human rights. The award was given annually till 2002. It consists of a citation and a cash prize of one lakh rupees. This award is considered as a significant recognition in the area of human rights in India.
M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award - 2008: Mercy Mathew popularly known as Daya Bai who works among the oppressed Tribals of Madhya Pradesh was presented the twelfth M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award for 2008 by the eminent journalist and human rights activist Dr. Kuldip Nayar at a function in New Delhi. The award honours Daya Bai’s longstanding commitment to the protection and promotion of the rights of the Gond tribals, especially women, in the remote and underdeveloped areas in Madhya Pradesh for the last three decades. Daya Bai is one of the few activists who has vociferously spoken out against the disappearance of girls from the tribal regions.
Previous Recipients of the Award
2008: Ms.Daya Bai, Madhya Pradesh
2006: Swami Agniwesh, New Delhi
2004: Ms. Teesta Setalvad, Mumbai
2002: Mr. Harsh Mander, Action Aid India, New Delhi
2001: Dr. H. Sudharshan, Bangalore
2000: Justice V.M. Tarkunte, Founder President, PUCL, Utter Pradesh
1999: Ms. Medha Patkar, Narmada Bachao Andolan, Mumbai
1998: Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer, former Supreme Court Judge and human rights activist, Kochi
1997: Mr. Ravi Nair, Human Rights Activist, New Delhi
1996: Ms. Malladi Subbamma, Women’s Rights Activist, Andhra Pradesh
1995: Mr. Balraj Puri, Civil Rights Activist, Jammu & Kashmir and Dr. C.T. Kurian, Economist, Chennai (shared).
1994: Peoples Union for Civil Liberties
Juries of Previous Years:
Justice. Michael F. Saldanha, Prof. R.L.M. Patil, Justice. Mr. R. Jaisimha Babu, Ambassadar Mr. N. Krishnan, Justice Mr. K.T. Thomas, Mr. Akber Mirza Khalili, Justice Mr. P.P. Bopanna, Dr. M. S. Thimmappa, Justice Mr. N.D. Venkatesh, Dr. M. J. Joseph, Justice Mr. V.S. Malimath, Justice Mr. Nittoor Srinivasa Rau, Mr. T.J.S George, Justice Mr. Jagannatha Shetty, Mr. V.N. Narayanan, Adv. K. Pratap Reddy, Mr. Kuldip Nayar, Dr. K.C. Abraham, Justice Mr. M. Rama Jois, Mrs. Mohini Giri, Justice Mr. D.M. Chandrasekhar, Prof. U.R. Ananta Murthy, Dr. Mathews George Chunakara, Justice Mr. Alladi Kuppuswamy, Mr. A.G. Noorani, Mr. B.R.P. Bhaskar, Justice Mr. H. Suresh, Dr. K.N. Raj, Prof. M. Basheer Hussain, Justice Mr. M.N. Venkatachaliah, Mr. N. Ram, Justice Mr. E.S. Venkataramaiah, Justice Mr. A. Sambasiva Rau, Mr. C.G.K. Reddy.
