Devi Ahilyabai award for Bapat

Indore, Sep 8 (UNI) Social activist Damodar Ganesh Bapat has been named for the prestigious Devi Ahilyabai National award in recognition for his contribution for leprosy alleviation.

The award, instituted by Shri Ahilotsav Samiti, carries a cash prize of Rs 1 lakh, a shawl and a citation, Samiti chairperson Ashok Daga and award selection committee's Prahlad Rai Maheshwari and Mahesh Shastri told reporters here.

The award would be given to Chhattisgarh's Janjgir-based Bapat here on September 12 for his commendable job for lepers in areas of health, education, self-confidence and rehabilitation.

Former Lok Sabha Speaker Manohar Joshi, Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan will be present.

Earlier recipients of the award include Mr Nanaji Deshmukh, Ms Nirmala Buch, Ms Vijayaraje Scindia, Dr R Chidambaram, Pujya Pandurang Shastri Atthawle, Dr Raghunath Mashelkar, Dr Abhay Bang and Ms Sudha Murthy.

Mr Joshi would be honoured by prominent citizen on the occasion as during his chief ministership of Maharashtra, Devi Ahilyabai's birthplace Ahmednagar's Chaudi village was named a pilgrim.

Besides, the former Lok Sabha Speaker had approved setting up a statue of Devi Ahilyabai in Lok Sabha premises.

Also, Mumbai-based sculptor Shashikant Vadke, who made the statue, would be honoured.

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