Mangaluru: The second Lawrence Pinto Human Rights Award was awarded to Ms.Vidya Dinkar, on Jan 24 2016, at Kalaangann Mangalore, by the eminent Scientist and Educationist, Prof. M.I Savadatti.

The award consisted of – a shawl, a garland, fruits, a citation and a purse of Rs. 1 lakh.

Mr Loy Noronha, the Chairman of Friends of Lawry, welcomed the gathering. Shri Eric Ozario, the secretary, spoke about Lawrence Pinto and the Award. Dr. Ravishankar Rao, Head of the English department, Mangalore University, Introduced the Chief Guest.

Smt. Nynette Tellis read the citation. Smt.Leena Pinto wife of Late Lawrence Pinto garlanded the awardee. Prof. Savadatti did the honours. The treasurer Shri Walter Veigas handed over a purse of Rs. 1 lakh.

Ms. Vidya Dinkar in her response stated that she was proud to be a social activist and that she, energised by this award, would work with added vigour, for causes close to her heart, such as, oppressed women, children, ecology, the downtrodden etc..

Prof. Savadatti said that people such as Vidya, who take pleasure in the happiness of the oppressed when they obtain justice, are rare and invaluable. Though young, he said that the awardee has inspired a large number of people and should continue to do so in the future too.

Ms. Jacqueline Fernandes who compered the programme, proposed the vote of thanks and also called upon the gathering to suggest a worthy to receive the award next year.