A Catholic Bishop from Northeast India was conferred upon 8th International Human Rights Award 2018 for his contribution to the field of education and healthcare by the All India Council of Human Rights and Social Justice in New Delhi on December 9.
Salesian Bishop George Palliparambil of Miao diocese in the Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh is the recipient of prestigious award.
The prestigious award is given to those individuals, world peace leaders and business leaders who show exceptional leadership in serving humanity.
The award ceremony, marked the International Human Rights Day, held on December 9 at India Islamic Centre Auditorium in New Delhi.
Earlier this year, Bishop George, an alumnus of Salesian College Sonada, was awarded Bharat Gaurav Award at a ceremony held at UK House of Commons in British Parliament London on April 13.
Bishop George Palliparambil, 65 years, born at Thodupuzha in Kerala has worked more than 40 years with the people of eastern Arunachal. His mission was promotion of education and preservation of the pristine culture of the people.
An example of this effort is Neotan village becoming 100 per cent literate in Arunachal Pradesh, in 2014 through the efforts of teachers and students of Newman school which he founded.
Neotan is a medium size village located in Miao circle of Changlang district of Arunachal Pradesh with total 139 families with population of 840 of which 407 are males while 433 are females as per Population Census 2011.
Bishop George also introduced protection and preservation of environment by teaching students about the need of afforestation and protection of wildlife. These were made practical by not allowing flower bouquet being given to guests or visitors but making them plant a sapling. Environment protection campaign was extended to water sources, and protecting catchment area was followed up with preservation of wild life in 2016 when every youth and child was encouraged not to hunt animals or shoot birds.
Protection and development of cultures was another area which Bishop George gave much importance. He promoted language by developing the dialects, promoted culture by highlighting the lives of tribal leaders of the past. By teaching traditional art forms like weaving and wood carving to young people, he promoted sustainable livelihood.
He promoted health by teaching hygiene, and taking preventive steps and curative measurers by providing tribal people access to dispensaries and hospital which he started.
He helped women empowerment by training young girls who have not been able to attend schools by providing them adult education opportunities.
