Indira is the mother of three children, whose Muslim-convert ex-spouse had snatched the youngest daughter, Prasana Diksa, then aged 11 months, in April 2009, before unilaterally converting all three children.
In January this year, the Federal Court set aside the unilateral conversion of Indira’s three children to Islam after ruling that any conversion of non-Muslim children must get the consent of both parents.
US ambassador Kamala Shirin Lakhdhir, who has been in Malaysia for 14 months, said she had known about Indira’s case even before coming to Malaysia.
“We wanted to recognise her struggles. Her struggles go beyond her whole family. It is for all Malaysians.
“We are here to celebrate her effort and those who had supported her struggle over the past eight years,” Lakhdir said at a press conference following a brief ceremony held at the ambassador’s residence on Jalan Langgak Golf here today.
Lakhdhir added that Indira deserved the nomination because she was an extraordinarily courageous women.
Holding back tears after receiving the nomination and the kind words from the envoy, Indira said her only wish now was to be reunited with her youngest daughter soon.
“I want to thank everyone who helped me these past eight years, especially my lawyers, family and the public for their financial and emotional support.
“When I started this fight for me and my children, I thought I was alone with my mother, but then I got huge support,” Indira said.
She was accompanied by her eldest daughter, Tevi Darsiny, 21, son, Karan Dinish, 19, and her mother, S Rangammah.
“But I am disappointed that Prasana Diksa is not here with me.
“It has been nine years and I have still not been reunited with my youngest daughter,” she said holding back tears.
Indira said she was disappointed with the police for having delayed efforts to find her ex-husband and Prasana Diksa but remains hopeful that the police will find them.
The judgment by the Federal Court has been described as a landmark ruling, with the court also stating that only the civil court would decide on matters of conversion involving minors.
The International Women of Courage Award is presented annually by the US Department of State to women around the world who have shown leadership, courage, resourcefulness and willingness to sacrifice for others, especially in promoting women’s rights.
It was established in 2007 by then US secretary of state, Condoleezza Rice. Every US embassy is allowed to recommend or nominate one woman as a candidate.
Previous recipients of the award include former president of the Malaysian Bar and human rights lawyer Ambiga Sreenevasan, and transgender rights activist Nisha Ayub.
Indira Gandhi verdict has far-reaching implications, says ex-judge
Court rules in Indira’s favour, sets aside conversion of children