Welcome to
a.M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award
b.Previous recipients
c.Juries
d.Nomination Procedure and Form
M.A. Thomas National Human Rights 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.
Procedure for Nomination
Nominations of the Award are invited at the beginning of the year. 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.
(download application form in pdf)
(download application form in MS word)
(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.
The nomination form must be sent in a sealed envelope inscribed with the words “Nomination for M.A. Thomas National Human Rights Award - (mention year)” to Vigil India Movement, 61, Charles Campbell Road, Cox Town, Bangalore- 560 005 on or before the prescribed date every year.
