Bangalore: Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani student who survived being shot in the head by the Taliban for promoting girls’ rights to education, was honoured with Basavashri award by Shri Murugamath in London on January 9.

The award is given every year to “distinguished personalities who struggle for the welfare of the mankind”.

Speaking to reporters here on Tuesday, Shri Shivamurthy Muruga Sharana of Murugamath said that the award was declared a few months ago and that the she could not come to receive the award because of security reasons. The award carries a citation, certificate and a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh. Basavashri is the first award presented to Ms. Yousafzai from India.

Detailing about his interaction with the education activist, Shri Shivamurthy swami said that every person who spoke to Ms. Yousafzai get inspired to achieve something in life, even if she has to fight against all odds. Even after facing several hurdles at an early age, she wanted to go back to Pakistan and fight against poverty and for the betterment of women.

Ms. Yousafzai expressed that the diplomatic relations between India and Pakistan should improve in order to end the rivalry between the countries. Shri Shivamurthy swami quoted her saying she liked watching Aamir Khan’s Satyameva Jayate on TV, and his movies and Sania Mirza.

About the award
Shri Shivamurthy swami instituted the Basavashri award in 1997 to honour people for their distinguished services towards society in their respective fields by following the principles of Lord Basaveshwar.