Vanvasi Ashram gets Chandrasekhar Azad award

Bhopal, June 16 (UNI) Chhattisgarh's Jashpur based Akhil Bhartiya Vanvasi Kalyan Ashram Kendra, which is engaged in tribal welfare activities, particularly dissuading them from converting to Christianity, for about five decades, will be presented with the Martyr Chandra Sekhar Azad National Award.

Former Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairperson Najma Heptullah would be awarded the Veerangana Samman-2007.

The Azad Award, instituted by the Culture department of Madhya Pradesh government, comprises Rs 1.50 lakh in cash and a citation. A high-level jury unanimously selected the Ashram for the award, official sources said.

Senior BJP leader L K Advani would present the award on June 18 at Gwalior during the two-day 'Balidan Mela' organised to commemorate the martyrdom of Rani Laxmibai.

A ballet focusing on Rani Laxmibai and All India Kavi Sammelan would also be staged on the occasion, the sources said.

UNI