This year’s “Prakash Human Rights Award” was awarded to the active and dedicated social activist, Rukaiya Khatoon aged 45 from Taulihawa, Kapilvastu,who has been actively involved in the campaign to create a discrimination-free society for more than two decades.
According to the statement issued by INSEC’s Chairperson Kundan Aryal, the INSEC Board of Director’s meeting, held on July 25, 2023, made a decision to honor her with the 29th “Prakash Human Rights Award” as per the recommendations of a five-member award selection committee, led by the organisation’s advisor and founder chairperson, Sushil Pyakurel.
INSEC’s founder General-Secretary, Prakash Kafle, tragically lost his life in a Thai Air accident in Goptebhir, Nuwakot, on July 31, 1992. In recognition to honourable Kafle’s invaluable contribution to Nepal’s human rights and social justice campaign and to honor and perpetuate his memory, INSEC has been awarding the “Prakash Human Rights Award”.
Individuals who have made significant contributions in the fields of politics, education, health, social welfare, and other rights-based areas in Nepal are honored and recognized on the occasion of “Prakash Memorial Day” for their outstanding dedication to advancing human rights.
Until now, 28 distinguished individuals have been honored with the award, including Senior journalist Late Vinaya kumar Kasaju, Senior social worker Late Dayavir Singh Kansakar, Dr. Gaurishankar Lal Das, Dalit rights activist Ramratidevi Ram, Women’s rights activist Basantidevi Jha and Senior journalist Narayan Sharma.
According to the information provided by INSEC, a program to honor Khatoon is scheduled on August 1 ,2023, at Staff College in Lalitpur. The Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, Harikrishna Karki, will be the chief guest for the event. The awardee will receive a cash prize of 50,000 rupees along with a certificate of honor.