The Anita Sen Memorial Award was established
in memory of Anita Sen, who died in a rail accident, in
September 2002. On the first death anniversary of Anita
on September 9, 2003, her associates at Udyogini, her family,
and her friends - came together to celebrate the love and
inspiration that she gave during her life to all of them,
by announcing the institution of an award in her name.
The values that guide the selection of the recipients are:
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The award is given annually
to disadvantaged women who have overcome odds to build a group
enterprise that is of direct benefit to the women, and have
consistently displayed the values Anita stood for.
A Committee has been constituted to determine the focus, criteria,
and process as well as to select the awardees. The committee
is composed of members of Udyogini’s board and management,
Anita’s family, professional colleagues and associates.
The first Anita Sen Memorial Award, 2004
was given to three individuals (from Rajasthan, Karnataka
and Kerala) and one group from Orissa. The awards were presented
by Ela Bhatt, founder, SEWA, Ahmedabad, at a function on 13th
March, 2004, in New Delhi. The Committee recognized all those
who were nominated for the Award last year, by including their
moving stories in a booklet.
Ms. Manisha Varia, from Bhasha Research Center,
working in Tejgarh, Vadodara district, Gujarat was selected
for the award in 2005. The award presentation was held in
Tejgarh, where the Awardee lives and works.
In October of each
year, nominations are invited from across the country. The
committee selects the awardees in January-February following.
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