Assam: UN Brahma Soldier of Humanity Award to Anuradha Koirala

OUR CORRESPONDENT

KOKRAJHAR: The 21st Upendra Nath Brahma Soldier of Humanity Award, 2024, has been conferred to Padmashree Anuradha Koirala, a globally acclaimed social activist and founder of Maiti Nepal, at a function held at Bodofa Cultural Complex, Kokrajhar, on Sunday. For the first time the award goes to a global recipient.

The award comprises a special memento of Bodofa UN Brahma, a citation, and Rs. 2 lakh. Koirala was given the award by Minister UG Brahma, chairman of the UN Brahma Trust.

The award-giving ceremony was chaired by UG Brahma.

The name of Padmashree Anuradha Koirala was selected as the recipient of the 21st Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma Soldier of Humanity Award by the jury board of the UN Brahma Trust, recognizing her outstanding contributions to combating human trafficking, rescuing survivors, and transforming countless lives through her unwavering dedication to justice and equality.

 The Power of Attorney of the UN Brahma Trust Bishnu Prasad Brahma said Padmashree Anuradha Koirala, fondly known as “Mother Teresa of Nepal,” had devoted her life to the cause of humanity, particularly in the fight against the exploitation of women and children. Since founding Maiti Nepal in 1993, her efforts have led to the rescue and rehabilitation of over 50,000 survivors of sex trafficking. Her organization provides safe havens, rehabilitation homes, and preventive programs, ensuring survivors are empowered to rebuild their lives with dignity. Her unparalleled dedication has earned her numerous international accolades, including the CNN Hero of the Year Award (2010), the Mother Teresa Memorial International Award for Social Justice (2014), and the prestigious Padmashree (2017) from the Government of India. Anuradha Koirala’s humanitarian endeavours have cemented her legacy as a beacon of hope and compassion.

 UNBT considers Koirala’s selfless service and immense contributions to society to resonate deeply with the ideals upheld by Bodofa Upendra Nath Brahma. Her tireless efforts remind us of the power of compassion and courage in transforming lives. A true soldier of humanity, Koirala was the first child of Colonel Pratap Singh Gurung and Laxmi Devi Gurung. She belonged to an educated family and was educated at St. Joseph Convent School. Before she started Maiti-Nepal, she spent 20 years as a teacher, teaching English in different schools in Kathmandu.

In her speech, Padmashree Anuradha Koirala said, “When I got an award, I considered myself that I was getting more responsibility to shoulder to do for the society. We must save our daughters; it’s our great duty. I started dedicating myself to the Maiti community in Nepal and worked as a teacher for 25 years, but I left my job after Nepal transitioned to democracy, and I started to work for the girls children.”

She said daughters were treated as valueless in the society in some countries, and many think girls children need more money for weddings, as some guardians think, but male children also use huge amounts of money for marriage ceremonies.

“In fact, male children used to spend more. We must give education to girls. Job opportunities for girls should be ensured,” she added. She also said they get citizenship at the age of 16 and a passport at the age of 19 in Nepal. She also said there had been a red-light area available in Indian cities, which is actually an act of crime, but no one has come forward to raise this issue to prevent it. She further said there were Border Guards with blue dresses in 19 districts in Nepal who check the unmarried couples to prevent possible flesh trade. In her speech, chief guest Patricia Mukhim said everyone should come forward to work together to end the gender discrimination.

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