The World Inequality Conference at the Paris School of Economics this year is a proud moment for social workers and researchers in India. John Dredge, a renowned welfare economist who has worked tirelessly on poverty and social inequality in India for decades, has been awarded the prestigious Global Inequality Research Award. But he is not willing to accept this huge international recognition as his own achievement. While accepting the award, he humbly said that this honor is not just for him but a true recognition of the long struggle of common people and various collective movements working day and night for social change in India.
John Dredge’s contribution to the drafting and implementation of landmark social welfare policies in India like the 100-day job guarantee scheme or the National Food Security Act is undeniable. Having lived in remote villages of Jharkhand for a long time, he has experienced the joys and sorrows of India’s most marginalized people. After accepting the award, he spoke about the current situation in India and said that India’s inequality should not be measured only on the basis of money. Economic disparities, as well as racial disparities, gender disparities and sky-high disparities in access to education continue to affect the country’s society. However, despite this darkness, Dredge sees hope. He believes that India’s long and rich history of standing up against injustice and asserting one’s rights among common people will guide the country in the days to come.
The award is considered the most prestigious award for research on discrimination internationally. This is the second edition of the award presented every two years. Earlier, the first edition was by Veena Agarwal and James K. Honored eminent personalities like Boyce. Dredge has consistently spoken out against the mandatory use of Aadhaar cards in the ration system or strict rules in rural employment schemes that have deprived the poor of their rights. This international award once again recognized his lifelong struggle on the world stage.