Dr. Durgabai Deshmukh Award

The Dr. Durgabai Deshmukh Award for Women’s Development is named after Dr. Durgabai Deshmukh, who was the founder chairperson of the Central Social Welfare Board (India) from 1953-62.

Dr. Durgabai was an active participant in the Indian independence movement. She was also enrolled as an advocate in the Madras High Court. As chairperson of the Central Social Welfare Board, Dr. Durgabai contributed greatly to developing the Board as a body which could link the governmental sectors in the effort to improve the status of women and children in the country.

The Award was instituted in the 50th year of India’s independence, and is given to an organization which has made outstanding and/or innovative contribution to women’s welfare and empowerment and has at least 5 years working experience. The Award carries an amount of Rs. 5 lakhs (about USD 11,000), a citation and a shawl. It is awarded by the Central Social Welfare Board, and is announced on July 15th of every year, the date being the birthday of Dr. Durgabai Deshmukh.

References

Central Social Welfare Board, India

See also

Wikipedia: Dr. Durgabai Deshmukh