John Dayal, Navaid Hamid and Vipin Tripathi Win the Quaide Milleth Award 2024

The Quaide Milleth Educational and Social Trust (QUEST) has announced the recipients of the prestigious Quaide Milleth Award for Probity in Political and Public Life for the year 2024.

This year, the award has been conferred upon eminent human rights activists John Dayal, Navaid Hamid, and Vipin Kumar Tripathi for their unwavering commitment to civil liberties, religious freedom, and social justice.

Commenced in 2015 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of QUEST, the award recognizes individuals who demonstrate exceptional dedication to constitutional values, secularism, pluralism, inclusivism, and the welfare of marginalized communities. The award is named after Quaide Milleth Mohamed Ismail Sahib, a revered leader known for his role in shaping independent India and advocating for communal harmony and justice.

The Quaide Milleth Educational and Social Trust (QUEST) was established in 1974 in memory of Quaide Milleth Mohamed Ismail Sahib; it remains committed to educational and social empowerment, particularly for the underprivileged sections of society.

John Dayal is a well-known advocate for human rights, civil liberties, and religious freedom in India and internationally. As the founder and former General Secretary of the All India Christian Council and a member of the National Integration Council, he has been at the forefront of defending the rights of Dalits, minorities, and other disadvantaged groups.

Navaid Hamid, former president of the All India Majlis-e-Mushawarat, has been a consistent voice for the oppressed. As a member of the National Integration Council and General Secretary of the Movement for Empowerment of Muslim Indians, he has dedicated his career to advocating for the rights and welfare of marginalized communities, particularly Muslims.

Prof. Dr. Vipin Kumar Tripathi, a leading scientist and former professor at IIT Delhi, is widely recognized for his human rights activism. Through his Sadbhaav Mission, he has worked tirelessly to promote peace, communal harmony, and rehabilitation efforts for victims of sectarian violence across India.

The awardees were selected by a distinguished committee comprising:

• Dr. V. Vasanthi Devi, Former Vice-Chancellor, M.S. University, and Renowned Educationist.
• Rev. Bishop Dr. Devasagayam, Church of South India (Retd).
• Mr. A.S. Paneerselvan, Former Reader’s Editor, The Hindu.
• M.G. Dawood Miakhan, General Secretary, Quaide Milleth Educational and Social Trust (Ex-Officio).

Since its inception, the Quaide Milleth Award has been conferred on individuals and movements that have played a crucial role in upholding democratic values and human rights. Previous recipients include Teesta Setalvad, Hamid Ansari, Harsh Mander, Aruna Roy, A.G. Noorani, and N. Ram, among others.

The award ceremony will take place soon, celebrating the contributions of the 2024 awardees. Through this recognition, QUEST continues to uphold the legacy of Quaide Milleth Mohamed Ismail Sahib and inspire future generations to work toward an inclusive, secular, and just society.