- 09 March, 2025
New Delhi, 8 March 2025: Eminent human rights activist Mr. John Mr. Dayal has been conferred the prestigious Quaide Milleth Award for Probity in Political and Public Life for 2024. The Quaide Milleth Educational and Social Trust (QUEST) announced this year's recipients, including Mr. Dayal, Navaid Hamid, and Vipin Kumar Tripathi, recognising their unwavering dedication to civil liberties, religious freedom, and social justice.
Established in 2015 to mark the 40th anniversary of QUEST, the award honours individuals who uphold constitutional values, secularism, pluralism, and the welfare of marginalised communities.
Commitment to Human Dignity, Freedom and Faith
In an interview with Catholic Connect following the award announcement, Mr. Dayal spoke about the principles that have guided his lifelong advocacy. When asked what has kept him going through decades of activism, he responded, “My commitment to human dignity and freedom in different matters, especially faith.”
He emphasised the role of his Catholic faith in shaping his work. “Faith is a very important part of my commitment,” he said. His engagement with human rights is deeply influenced by the social teachings of the Church, and he has closely studied the Second Vatican Council and how the recent Popes have shaped the Church’s stance on modern issues.
Mr. Dayal has been actively involved in Christian organisations working for justice and rights. He is one of the founders of the ecumenical All India Christian Council (AICC) and the United Christian Forum for Human Rights. He has also held leadership roles in the All India Catholic Union (AICU), serving as its National Secretary from 1996 to 2000, Vice President from 2000 to 2004, and President from 2004 to 2008.
Reflections on the Quaide Milleth Award
Reacting to the recognition, Mr. Dayal remained humble about the honour. “I can’t say I’m exceptional or that I am special,” he said. “However, the award showcases the role of the Church in civil matters and how Christians have to work together with other people, as this award is shared with a Muslim and a Hindu.”
He also emphasised the significance of the "New Leader" Award, which he shared with "The Hindu" Editor N. Ram. It reflected the Church's concerns as well as its vital contributions to society.
Challenges in the Human Rights Field
Speaking about the difficulties he has faced in his career, Mr. Dayal acknowledged the opposition that comes with his work. “I have been beaten, arrested, and faced many FIRs. All those are inevitable in the human rights field. It is not a 10-to-5 job, but it is a full-time commitment to human liberties and dignity, and that keeps one going,” he said.
Contributions to Literature
Mr. Dayal’s work extends beyond activism into writing, where he has documented social and political issues in India. His books include:
* For Reasons of State—Delhi Under the Emergency (1977, republished by Penguin in 2018)
* Gujarat 2002 – Told and Untold Stories (2002)
* A Matter of Equity (2007)
* Reconciliation: A Journey Through Wounded India (2018)
Journey from Journalism to Human Rights Advocacy
Born in New Delhi to South Indian Christian parents, Mr. Dayal studied physics at St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, before shifting to journalism in 1969. He worked as a reporter, war correspondent, and editor, covering conflicts across the Middle East, North Africa, South Asia, and Europe.
He later became editor and CEO of Delhi Mid Day and served as treasurer of the Editors' Guild of India. In 1998, he advocated for India’s return to nuclear disarmament. Around 2000, he left journalism to focus on human rights, spending over four decades investigating abuses against minorities, particularly Christians in India.
With the Quaide Milleth Award, Mr. Dayal’s relentless commitment to justice, religious freedom, and civil rights has been recognised once again. His journey continues to inspire those who advocate for an inclusive and equitable society.
By Catholic Connect Reporter
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