KOKRAJHAR,DEC 22: Padmashri Anuradha Koirala, founder of Maiti Nepal and a renowned social activist, was conferred the 21st Upendra Nath Brahma Soldier of Humanity Award 2024 at a award presentation ceremony being held at the Bodofa Cultural Complex, Chandamari in Kokrajhar on Sunday.
This time for the first time ever,
the Upendra Nath Brahma Trust (UNBT) and All Bodo Students Union (ABSU) awarded the Upendra Nath Brahma Soldier of Humanity Award to an internationally acclaimed personality of Nepal, Anuradha Koirala which is regarded as a highest civilian award presenting from Bodo society to the personalities who are rendering relentless services towards the welfare and development of the humanity in the world. This prestigious honour recognizes her(Koirala )outstanding contributions
to combating human trafficking, rescuing survivors, and transforming countless lives through her unwavering dedication to justice and equality.
Anuradha Koirala, fondly known as “Mother Teresa of Nepal” has devoted her life to the cause of humanity, particularly in the fight against the exploitation of ‘women and children’. Since founding Maiti Nepal
in 1993, her efforts have led to the rescue and rehabilitation of over 50,000 survivors of sex trafficking. Her organization provides safe havens, rehabilitation homes, and preventive programs, ensuring survivors are
empowered to rebuild their lives with dignity. Her unparalleled dedication has earned her numerous international accolades, including the CNN Hero of the Year Award (2010), the Mother Teresa Memorial International Award for Social Justice (2014), and the prestigious Padmashri (2017) from the Government of India. Anuradha Koirala’s humanitarian endeavours have cemented her legacy as a beacon of hope and compassion.
The award is consisting of a memento, a citation, cheque of Rs. 2 lakh, a Bodo traditional waistcoat, and an Aronai.
Prominent personalities including Assam cabinet minister, Urkhao Gwra Brahma, Bodo Sahitya Sabha president Dr. Surath Narzary, renowned journalist, Patricia Mukhim, and ABSU president, Dipen Boro, chairman of UNBT Dr Dimacha Dwibrang Mwshahary presented the prestigious award to Koirala amidst the presence of a huge crowd.
Expressing her gratitude, Anuradha Koirala said the award motivates her to redouble her efforts in combating human trafficking.She has emphasized to build a good society with protection of women and girls amongst global communities.
” Whenever I received the award,it encourages me more to work for the protection of women and daughters.I am working dedicatedly towards the welfare and protection of the women’s fraternities across Nepal as well its adjoining countries like India, Bangladesh, Pakistan especially for the women and girls”, Koirala said.
” We must carry out awareness at the village level to create awareness on gender disparity amongst the citizens to
educate the girls, and boys to end the disparity of the gender amongst the communities “, she added.
Gracing the occasion as chief guest, renowned journalist and Padmashri from Shillong,Patricia Mukhim stated that the human society must prevent the men and women from trafficking to build a healthy life. She has expressed her resentment over the situation like crimes on women and girls,human trafficking, kidnaping etc which are happening day today life, said that the citizens must come forward while eradicating such kind of situations.
Chairman of Upendra Nath Brahma Trust,Dr Mwshahary told that the Upendra Nath Brahma Soldier of Humanity Award is presented annually by the Upendra Nath Brahma Trust to individuals who embody the spirit of Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma, a visionary Bodo leader who dedicated his life to fostering justice, equality, and the upliftment of downtrodden communities and humanity.
The award seeks to recognize individuals whose actions inspire others to uplift the downtrodden and promote the ideals of humanity.
Anuradha Koirala’s selfless service and immense contributions to society resonate deeply with the ideals
upheld by Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma. ” Her tireless efforts remind us of the power of compassion and courage
in transforming lives. We are honoured to celebrate her as a true Soldier of Humanity in the global.She is a recipient of India’s Padma Shri in 2017, Koirala has dedicated her life to rescuing and rehabilitating survivors of human trafficking, earning widespread recognition for her humanitarian work”,he added.
Among others, chairman of Bodo Kochary Welfare Autonomous Council, Anil Basumatary, BTR executive members, Nilut Swargiary, Ukil Mushahary, BKWAC executive member Mahipal Boro, MLA Lawrence Islary, Bodoland University registrar,Dr Subung Basumatary were prominent attendees in the event.
The award presentation ceremony withessesd an attractive Bodo cultural showcase that created cultural amusement amongst the audience.
