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Launching the Award ceremony, Nandita Bhatt, a long-time colleague and friend of Martha, reminisced about Martha’s vision of a gender equal world. ‘Martha & I’, a film about her life produced for this occasion, showed how she had impacted different persons in her life.
“She left her body and now has made home in all our hearts”, thus began reflections from Kamla Bhasin, well-known gender equality activist. She spoke about practicing feminism in everyday life— practice what you preach. Martha’s values for respect and justice for all are so much more relevant today.
“I have been so inspired by Martha’s life that I want to make these awards shine light on and recognise the strong work that so many people are doing in ensuring end to gender discrimination in India”, words from Rizwan Adatia, whose philanthropic foundation is co-sponsor of these awards along with PRIA.
“We all at Majlis are proud to be the first winners of Martha Farrell awards for the best organisation engaged in women’s empowerment. It has given Majlis a new meaning of feminist activism, far beyond the rhetoric”, spoke Flavia Agnes, founder director of Majlis Legal Centre in Mumbai.
“Working in tea gardens of north Bengal, fighting against trafficking of girls from my community, I am delighted to be receiving this award for most promising individual category. It has reinforced my commitment to carry on with greater energy”, words of the winner Rakhi Gope.
“ Music gives voice to speak up for justice, to question discrimination. I want to sing today to honour the life of Martha Farrell, so that her legacy through these Awards is never silenced”…thus began an inspiring performance by Sonam Kalra and her team of Sufi & the Gospel Project.
Reflecting on the Awards ceremony next morning, many of the 50 youth leaders from around the country have internalised the message of Martha’s life and work…”Take a risk,…Make a difference’!
Rajesh Tandon Founder-President, PRIA April 9, 2017
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