Dr. Binayak Sen

Dr. Binayak Sen—currently behind bars for alleged links with Naxalites— became the first South Asian to get the prestigious Johnathan Mann award for Global Health and Human Rights in recognition of his work in the most remote corners of Chhattisgarh.Dr. Sen is noted for extending health care to the poorest people, monitoring the health and nutrition status of the people of Chhattisgarh, and defending the human rights of indigenous tribals and other poor people. He insists that it is not possible for poor people to have health if they are denied their human rights and the right to livelihood.Binayak’s interest in civil activism grew out of witnessing malnutrition deaths among children. The lack of governance worried him deeply. He has worked tirelessly at the cost of imprisonment,
in developing relevant models of primary health care in Chhattisgarh.

– Courtesy: Tehelka