By TwoCircles.net news desk
New Delhi: The 22nd Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration for 2006 was presented to J.S. Bandukwala and Ram Puniyani for promoting communal harmony.
They are the joint winners for the year 2006. The award that includes a citation and a cash amount of Rs. 3 lakh was presented to them by the Prime Minster Mr. Manmohan Singh in a ceremony in New Delhi.
Dr. Bandukwala, Vice Chariman of the People’s Union of Civil Liberties, is a professor of Physics at the M.S. University of Vadodara. His house was burnt down in the Gujarat violence of 2002. Dhiman Bhatt, chief auditor of MS University confessed to Tehelka for his part in burning down Dr. Bandukwala’s house.
Dr. Puniyani was a professor of Biomedical Engineering at the Indian Institute of Engineering, Powai. He is a social activist and respected for his secular writings.
Dr. Manmohan Singh addressing the function talked about the work of Dr. Bandukwala and Dr. Puniyani.
Dr. Manmohan Singh congratulated Dr. J.S. Bandukwalla and Professor Ram Puniyani for the award saying “both of them have dedicated their lives to promote solidarity and understanding among different faiths. They have done so by fighting communalism and communal forces. They have taken steps to improve the social and economic conditions of minorities. “
The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh presented the 22nd Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration to Dr. J.S. Bandukwalla, in New Delhi on October 31, 2007.
“Dr Bandukwalla has striven hard to create opportunities for Muslims by providing them with quality education.” Dr. Singh added that his “constructive vision and action in educating Muslims is of paramount significance in promoting national integration. Our Government too recognizes this as an important national obligation. That is why we appointed the Justice Sachar Committee to enquire into the status of the Muslim community in our country. By addressing this mighty problem Dr. Bandukwalla has emerged as a champion of national integration. His practical steps to educate Muslims will ameliorate their conditions and make them active participants in processes of nation building.”
“I must also compliment Dr. Bandukwalla for his devotion to women’s empowerment. By fighting for the human rights of Muslim women, Dr. Bandukwalla has taken up the gigantic task of liberating them from oppression and discrimination. He has done so in the face of threats to his life,” said the Prime Minister referring to the threats he has faced including burning down of his home in 2002.
The Chairperson, UPA, Mrs. Sonia Gandhi presented the 22nd Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration to Prof. Ram Puniyani, in New Delhi on October 31, 2007.
“Professor Ram Puniyani is a rare teacher whose teaching was never confined to the classroom,” Dr. Singh said that “society has been his classroom. He has taught us all to respect the human rights of all people. His contribution to communal harmony, through the work of Ekta and the Centre for Study of Society and Secularism has greatly contributed to peace in our times. “
“Combining scholarship with activism, he used the Peace and Conflict Resolution Workshop to conceptualize constructive approaches to national integration. His role in formulating peace curricula at the Tata institute of Social Sciences and Nirmala Niketan has been inspiring. Such educational syllabi can teach our younger generation how to serve the cause of unity and harmony in our society. “
Dr. Singh concluded his speech by saying that “the ceaseless efforts and activities of Dr. Bandukwalla and Professor Puniyani are directed at safeguarding the architecture of our inclusive society. They are worthy recipients of the prestigious Indira Gandhi Award for National Integration. I have great pleasure in congratulating them and wishing both of them health, strength and success in their fight against communal and divisive forces, and for the unity and integrity of our mighty nation and society. I wish them well. May their path be blessed”.