By Jessy Joseph
New Delhi, June 11, 2020: Three Christians were among six activists and an institution conferred with the Delhi Minority Commission’s human rights awards for their contribution to society.
Jesuit priest Father Denzil Fernandes, A C Michael and Anna Pinto were the recipients of the with Human Rights award for 2019.
The commission had planned to hold the award function on March 18 at New Delhi’s Vigyan Bhawan, but cancelled the program because of the Coronavirus pandemic.
The awards were distributed on June 10 in a private gathering at the commission’s office, as the nationwide lockdown continues.
An e-mail note from Delhi Minority Commission Chairman Zafarul-Islam Khan says, “Your contributions and role in society go a long way to create the secular, egalitarian and inclusive India we all work for.”
Pinto, one of the awardees, is a geography teacher in Delhi’s Presentation Convent School. She has been recognized for her involvement in educating and spreading awareness among school children on various human rights issues.
“I am really surprised by this award and it is a boost to my carrier,” the 50-year-old teacher told Matters India on June 10.
Pinto sensitizes students on issues such as domestic violence, child abuse, trafficking and child labor. She guides her team of students to promote and protect human rights. She inculcates in them human value through workshops, art works and various kinds of demonstrations.
“We have organized peace rallies along with different groups to protect the rights of the society,” she added.
A C Michael, a former member of the Delhi Minority Commission, received the award for his efforts to bring justice to the poor in the past 30 years.
“The award recognizes my activities to promote human rights. I will continue my work for society, whether award or not,” he told Matters India over the phone on June 10.
Michael has formed the United Christian Forum for Human Rights with more than 500 Christian leaders from all denominations and non denominations across the county. The forum provides legal and advocacy assistance to the Christian community traumatized recent communal violence in several states.
The other awardees are Father Fernndes, the director of the Indian Social Institute in Delhi, Armeet Singh Khanpuri, Farah Naquvi, and Ahmood Pracha. Quill Foundation, an autonomous institution engaged in research and advocacy in India was another awardee.
The Delhi government set up the Minority Commission in 2000. It consists of the chairman and two members. The tenure of the present team will end by next month.