Dr. Narendra Dabholkar memorial prize -2015

Dr. Narendra Dabholkar, lifelong champion of scientific temper and enlightenment rationalism , was brutally assassinated in 2013. That year, a few rationalists from Kerala instituted the annual Dr. Narendra Dabholkar memorial prize to any individual or collective that , during the preceding year, made a commendable contribution in raising public awareness about the Enlightenment values enshrined in our our Constitution.This is the third year of this prize. The prize includes a modest cash prize ( the quantum of which may vary each year) and a citation.This year, the prize amount is Rs.25,000.
The 2015 prize is being awarded to Ambedkar – Periyar Study circle (APSC), a student collective from IIT, Chennai.
[ad#336-1]
APSC was established in April 2014 , with an aim to “promote Ambedkar – Periyar thoughts and to initiate debates on socio-economic-political and cultural impacts which affects common mass within academic fraternity.” In May 2015, upon the wild allegation that “APSC is trying to de-align the ST, SC students and trying to make them to protest against MHRD and Central government and trying to create hatred against honorable prime minister and Hindus”, APSC was ‘de recognized’ by authorities. This totalitarian gesture was widely resented, and, all over the country and beyond , various groups and people raised their voices against this brazen attempt to muzzle freedom of speech guaranteed by Indian constitution. APSC themselves put on a valiant fight and soon won back their right to function in the campus.In the current political climate of the country, every single action that upholds the liberal spirit of Indian constitution is like a candle in the dark. APSC’s valiant resistance against the totalitarian move to gag them, gave a hope to all freedom lovers that change is still possible.
This year, the award is being presented by none other than Dr. Hamid Narendra Dabholkar, son of Dr. Narendra Dabholkar. Today, Dr. Hamid , along with other activists of Maharashtra Andhashraddha Nirmoolan Samiti (MANS) carries forward the work that his illustrious father was committed to, during his lifetime. We thank him for accepting our invitation. He will present the award at a special public function during Swathanthralokam -2015 , the annual meet of Freethinkers/Rationalists/ Humanists of Kerala , on 25th of December , 2015, at Valiopppilli Samskruthi Bhavan, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Time: 11 .45 AM.
All are welcome