Rohini Nayyar prize: Social worker’s contribution in Bastar recognised with award

The prize was presented by chief guest N K Singh, Chairman, Fifteenth Finance Commission. The jury that selected the winner of the award were Dr. Ashok Khosla of Development Alternatives, Dr. Rajesh Tandon of Participatory Research in Asia, Renana Jhabvala of the Self-Employed Women’s Association and Professor Seeta Prabhu. Dr Deepak Nayyar, Emeritus Professor of Economics, JNU was also present at the event.

N K Singh recounted contributions made by Dr Rohini Nayyar. “How would Rohini have questioned the way in which important aspects of rural development institutions evolved? Unfortunately, many remain fragile with financial viability eluding them,” Singh said.

Dr. Deepak Nayyar said, “We have received applications from all over the country. We are greatly impressed by the quality of work being undertaken across rural India that is making a real difference to people’s lives.”

Speaking about his work, Deenanath Rajput said he started his journey with three people in his team, which has now increased to 52.

Rajput’s work has included providing agricultural extension services to women farmers and building cold storage infrastructure.