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 COLUMBUS,
Ohio (Nov. 20, 2003) — Mahendra Mehta, a native of Mumbai, India, today
was presented the 2003 World of Children Chairman’s Award, developed by
the organization’s Board of Directors specifically in his honor. Mehta
received the Award during a special ceremony held in Columbus, Ohio,
USA, home of the World of Children, Inc.
World of Children, an international children’s advocacy group, presents
the only international awards that recognize children’s advocates.
William Gillam, chairman of the World of Children Board said, “While the
work of our winners and all our Honorees is incredible, the World of
Children Board of Directors felt that Mahendra Mehta’s contributions to
helping the children of India and around the world deserved separate and
distinct recognition.”
Using capital from his own family fund, Mehta initiated the Ratna Nidhi
Charitable Trust more than 20 years ago. Since then, the fund has
supported efforts to help the world's children in a multitude of ways
including corrective polio surgeries, cleft lip surgeries, provision of
artificial limbs for amputees, prenatal and postnatal care facilities,
educational programs and more. In addition to his efforts throughout
India, he has worked extensively with children in Kenya, Afghanistan and
Yugoslavia.
“Winning a World of Children Award is the equivalent of winning a Nobel
Prize. They are the most respected awards for people like Mahendra who
have devoted their lives to children,” said David W. Lippy, president,
World of Children, Inc. “We are proud to shine light on his tremendous
and important work by presenting him with the 2003 World of Children
Chairman’s Award, which was created in his honor.”
Other awards presented included the 2003 Cardinal Health Children’s Care
Award given to Dr. Martin Eichelberger of Washington D.C., founder and
president of the National SAFE KIDS Campaign. The Kellogg’s Child
Development Award was presented to Fani Lerner of Curitiba, Parana,
Brazil, who revolutionized social work in Brazil by creating 16 programs
for needy children and adolescents. The Founder’s Award, recognizing
youth helping other youth, was given to 12-year-old Ryan Hreljac of
Ontario, Canada, who founded the Ryan’s Well Foundation, which has built
more than 70 wells in Africa that help provide fresh water and adequate
sanitation in seven African countries.
About World of Children
World of Children Inc. (www.WorldofChildren.org) is a for-impact
organization whose mission is to honor, illuminate, and inspire action
on behalf of children by raising global awareness of the plight of
children and by recognizing and bringing together individuals who have
had a profound positive effect on the well-being of children. Since
1998, the World of Children Awards program has recognized 37 honorees
from 18 countries, awarding more than $800,000 that has been reinvested
in helping children.
For more information contact:
David W. Lippy
President, World of Children
dlippy@worldofchildren.org
(614) 939-1533
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