The Informal Sector Service Centre (INSEC) has been felicitated with Bhagat Sarwajit Manav Maryada National Award- 2077 on July 9, 2021.
In a ceremony organized by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism, and Civil Aviation of the Government of Nepal, INSEC was awarded a cash prize of NRs. 100,000 and a certificate marking the honour.
According to CPN-UML Standing Committee Member Chhabilal Bishwakarma, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli presented the award to INSEC at a ceremony held in Baluwatar.
Bishwakarma is the founding Chairperson of Bhagat Sarwajit Smriti Pratisthan Nepal. He also informed that the Government has also issued a post-stamp to honour Bhagat Sarwajit.
Bhagat Sarwajit was a social leader involved in the movement for Dalit awakening during the Rana regime, therefore, the award was initiated after his name in 2072 BS (2015/16).
During the Rana rule, Sarwajit Bishwakarma had gone to India to study the Vedas (religious texts of Hindus). After his return, he had started a Dalit movement in Baglung.
Every year, the Government of Nepal felicitates three people who are efficiently involved in the movement of Dalit awakening.
INSEC was honoured with this award in the category of human rights for being a voice of Dalits. Along with INSEC Puransingh Dayal of Baitadi has been awarded for the category of Dalit liberation movement and Jagaran Media Centre has been awarded in the category of Skills, Arts, Education, Literature, Cultural Writing, and Study Research.
This year, the award was announced on April 18 and was given on July 9. The Informal Sector Service Centre has been carrying out public awareness activities against caste-based discrimination since its establishment.
After receiving the award, Chairperson of INSEC Dr Indira Shrestha said that INSEC has been contributing in the field of Dalit rights since its initiation.