Humanitarian award for John Dayal

One of the leading Christian activists in India, John Dayal, has been selected for the Human Dignity Award 2008, in recognition of his services in the field of human rights.

Dayal, a member of the National Integration Council and General Secretary of the All India Christian Council, was accoladed for his fight for justice and rights of Christian, Muslim and Dalit minorities in the country.

The Maanav Adhikaar Paaritaushik (Human Dignity Award) of Rupees One Lakh is in memory of Professor M.M. Guptara.

"Over several decades, and at the cost of his own health and finances, Dr Dayal has helped people regardless of ethnicity, gender, economic status, religion or any other criterion. That is something surely worth celebrating," said Professor Prabhu Guptara.

The Guptara family appreciated Dayal's lifetime achievements and said the award was only a token of recognition.

Dayal will be given the award at a function in Geneva later this month.