Indian Education Activist rewarded $ 500,000 in Doha, Qatar

Doha - DR. Madhav Chavan, an Indian educationist and social worker who has helped millions of Indian children learn to read and write without a brick and mortar school or the aid of a single paid teacher won the world innovation Summit for Education Award (WISE) 2012 here in Doha , Qatar handed over by the Emir His Highness Sheikh Hamad Bin Khalifa Al Thani at the Qatar National Convention Centre. The coveted award carries a cash price of $ 500,000 along with a high quality gold medal. Madhav Chavan is the co-founder and CEO of a largest non-government provider of basic literacy like pre-school education, learning support in school and out of the school computer literacy, vocational training for underprivilledged and working children in India called PRATHAM which is active in 17 states and five in other countries who have collaborated with his organization. His model of imparting education has been replicated in a number of countries in Asia and Africa and his initiatives such as read India ` Read India` and `Education to Educate` have helped millions of children to achieve literacy and complete their higher education. While accepting the award, chavan pledged to carry on his mission more vigorously acting as a global ambassador of education. He said many individuals and organizations have contributed to the success story that we celebrate here today. I share this honour with them. He further said this prize is a major landmark that only reminds me how much more remains to be done for the underprivilledged section of society. Congratulating Chavan, WISE chairman Dr. Abdullah Bin Ali al Thani said: Madhav Chavan serves as an inspiration to all of us. His approach shows that the most important resources for successful innovation are a clear vision, determination and the ability to apply uncommon capacities to a shared cause. He concluded by saying ` Chavan has brought light into the lives of many millions of people and I congratulate him on his remarkable achievement.` Report by: S.M.Syed Zakir, Correspondent, bhatkallys.com [gallery link="file" columns="2"]