Mr Oscar Fernandes Conferred Nelson Mandela Award

(September 10, 2009) Senior Indian National Congress leader from Karnataka, Mr. Oscar Fernandes, was conferred the Nelson Mandela Award in recognition of his efforts in promoting minority rights, media reports from New York said. This prestigious Award for Minority Empowerment was presented to Fernandes, September 6, by Dr. Charles Steele Jr, a prominent civil rights activist and CEO of Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the Atlanta-based organisation co-founded by Martin Luther King Jr. In his acceptance speech, Fernandes, a Catholic who has served as a federal minister in India, said, “In today’s world, we can progress as a civil society only when we have an inclusive approach and recognise each other’s strengths. This creative energy of different communities, when pooled together, can lead to fulfilment of purpose and life, and also shall bring about a wonderful harmony in society. When I talk of the responsibility of the majority community, I must say that there devolves upon the minority community a responsibility to not unduly feel insecure,” he said. The ceremony held at the United Nations Church Centre was attended by many dignitaries and community leaders from the Indian diaspora. The award commemorates the sacrifices of Nelson Mandela who suffered imprisonment and various forms of repression while championing the cause of freedom.