Oscar Fernandes, a senior Congress leader, has been conferred with the Nelson Mandela Award as an appreciation for his achievements to promote the rights of minority groups.
Oscar Fernandes received the esteemed Nelson Mandela Award Minority Empowerment award from Dr Charles Steele Jr, an eminent personality in the field of civil rights and the CEO of Southern Christian Leadership Conference, which is an organization, based in Atlanta and was co-established by Martin Luther King, Jr.
The award is given in remembrance of the sacrifices endured by Dr. Nelson Mandela during his imprisonment as well as the cruelties he had to face for providing freedom to his nation. This is bestowed on those people and organizations as an appreciation for the outstanding achievements they have attained for promoting minority.
“In today’s world we can progress as a civil society only when we have an inclusive approach and recognize each other’s strengths,” Fernandes said iafter he accepted the award at a ceremony which was held at the United Nations Church Center.
“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,” he said. The ceremony was attended by many dignitaries and community leaders from the Diaspora.
“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,” Fernandes said.