Former Kerala health minister gets prestigious European award

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: K K Shailaja, Former Health Minister, Government of Kerala, has been awarded the prestigious Central European University (CEU) Open Social Prize to honour her commitment to the public health service. The award is given to persons with exceptional distinction who serve towards the idea of an open society. The award was announced in an online 30^th graduation ceremony, which was held recently.

Michael Ignatieff, President, CEU, presented the award and said that this year it is being given to an exceptional public servant from the developing world. He added that Shailaja and her staff have done exceptional work during the COVID-19 pandemic and showed that determined leadership, effective communication and dedicated community-based public health service can save several lives. By awarding Shailaja, the university is honouring a public servant and female leader for her contribution to public health service, he added.

Teacher, as the communist leader (K K Shailaja) is fondly addressed, asked the graduating students to keep learning and sharing knowledge with others as we live in a volatile and unpredictable world. She added that the leaders have to rise to global challenges and find new solutions to build an inclusive society.

The prize was first awarded in 1994 to Sir Karl Popper, a philosopher, who presented the philosophy of tolerance, openness and democratic values.