LGBT and child rights activist Harish Iyer has won the 'Karamveer Puraskar' and the REX Karamveer Global Fellowship.
According to the REX website, 'The REX Karmaveer Global Fellowships program mobilizes young innovators and champions of change from all knowledge disciplines across the globe to bring their ideas and passion to the REX fellowship for shared learning. REX Karmaveer Global Fellows are established for recognising budding champions in their respective fields, inspirational role models and the architects of simple ideas for action.'
Dr Varghese Kurien, social entrepreneur and the "Father of the White Revolution", who is also known for making Amul into a successful enterprise, was the first recepient of the award back in 2012.
Harish Iyer will receive the honour at the REX CONCLiVE, to be held from 21st-23rd March 2015 in Delhi.
Iyer is being conferred the award for his contribution to the field of child rights, for creating awareness on the issue of child sexual abuse. Iyer's campaigns for human rights and animal rights issues might also have played a role in him getting the award.
Harish Iyer feels honoured by the news. "In a country where statistics reveal that an alarming 54% boys face sexual abuse below the age of 18, one would assume that there would be many case studies of male child sexual abuse. This is far from the truth. There are exactly three people who speak it loud and clear - anurag kashyap, a friend of mine in another city and myself. Of these, I am the most vociferous. I believe that's what caught the attention of the selection committee," he says.
He adds, "One doesn't work for awards or recognition.. but when it comes flying by it lifts your spirits and ensures an upsurge of emotions. This elated feeling is magical. To me, this is a reward for being true to who you are. To live your life truly and unabashedly is the truest form of activism."
Harish Iyer is already a decorated activist at the age of 34. He has won the Zindagi Live award in the past for his work against child sexual abuse.
As an LGBT rights activist, Harish has also been listed at No 71 in the World Pride Power List. The list includes the likes of Stephen Fry, Ellen DeGeneres and Ricky Martin. Two films - Amen and I Am, and a book - Bad Touch - are also based on Harish Iyer's life. Out of these, I Am went on to win a national award.
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