The third Basha memorial award of the Samalochana and the Basha Charitable Trust of Anakapalle will be awarded to social activist Nirmala Tammineni of Mahabubnagar, at a programme to be held at Anakapalle on Sunday.
Ms. Nirmala, a post-graduate in computer science left a comfortable job in the US to work at Gattu village in Mahabubnagar district on livelihood issues in the area which is backward due to dry land farming, according to a press release from convener of Samalochana Chakradhar.
The awards were constituted in the honour of Shaik Moqtar Basha, a poor and young activist who led many agitations against SEZs, land acquisition, thermal plants and coastal corridor projects and was also a RTI activist. The award would be given to young activists who are under 40 years of age and involved with people’s movements and working to empower marginalised sections and strengthening people’s movement, Mr. Chakradhar said.
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RTI activist Rakesh Reddy Dubbudu received the first award and the second award was presented to Venkatesh J from Chintur in Khammam for his efforts to help internally displaced people.
Ms. Nirmala was selected for the third award by a committee consisting of social activists Saraswathi Kavula, P.S. Ajay Kumar and Chakradhar. Director of Employment Guarantee Scheme A. Karuna would present the award at a function to be held at Vivekananda Hall, Anakapalle on Sunday morning. A cash award of Rs. 15,000 would be presented to Ms. Nirmala. Former Union Secretary E.A.S. Sarma and women rights activist K. Satyavathi would speak.