Categories: Awards

Child rights advocate Lalitha Natarajan wins 2023 Iqbal Masih Award

2023 Iqbal Masih Award

Chennai-based lawyer and activist Lalitha Natarajan has won US Department of Labor’s 2023 Iqbal Masih Award for the Elimination of Child Labour. Natarajan was presented the award by Consul General Judith Ravin at a ceremony in the US Consulate General in Chennai on May 30.

As a leader in the fight to end exploitative child labor in southern India, Natarajan identifies child victims of trafficking, specifically bonded labor, assisting in their reintegration into society, the US consulate in Chennai. In her role as a member of the Child Welfare Committee (North Zone), under the Department of Social Defence, Tamil Nadu, Natarajan ensures victims receive compensation under the Child Labor Act and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act . Besides working on child labour issues, Lalitha also provides legal and counseling support to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse.

About the Iqbal Masih Award:

The Iqbal Masih Award is a non-monetary award presented annually by the U.S. Secretary of Labor and administered by ILAB’s Office of Child Labor, Forced Labor and Human Trafficking. It was established by the U.S. Congress in 2008 to honor extraordinary contributions to combat child labor.

The award is named after Iqbal Masih, a Pakistani child who was sold into slavery at the age of four and forced to work in a carpet factory. He escaped at the age of ten and became an outspoken advocate for the rights of child laborers. He was assassinated in 1995 at the age of twelve.

Find More Awards News Here

Sumit Arora

As a team lead and current affairs writer at Adda247, I am responsible for researching and producing engaging, informative content designed to assist candidates in preparing for national and state-level competitive government exams. I specialize in crafting insightful articles that keep aspirants updated on the latest trends and developments in current affairs. With a strong emphasis on educational excellence, my goal is to equip readers with the knowledge and confidence needed to excel in their exams. Through well-researched and thoughtfully written content, I strive to guide and support candidates on their journey to success.

Recent Posts

Good Friday 2026: Date, History, Meaning and Why This Sacred Day Matters Worldwide

Good Friday which is one of the most sacred days in Christianity. This day will…

19 mins ago

Which is the Most Consumed Beverage in the World?

Water is the most important drink in the world because every living being needs it…

15 hours ago

Which is the Only Continent with No Trees?

When we think about continents, we usually imagine green forests, tall trees and rich plant…

17 hours ago

India’s Defense Exports Hit Record ₹38,424 Crore in FY2025-26

Defense sector of the India has achieved the historic milestone as the defense exports reached…

17 hours ago

Delhi Government Launches the Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana

The Delhi state government has introduced the 'Lakhpati Bitiya Yojana'. This new is scheme aimed…

17 hours ago

Ashwini Bhide Becomes First Woman BMC Commissioner

Ashwini Bhide has been appointed as the first woman Municipal Commissioner of the Brihanmumbai Municipal…

18 hours ago