Human rights postgraduate reshaping lives of those in need wins Vice-Chancellor Award

A human rights postgraduate who has reshaped lives of those in need in India will receive a coveted Vice-Chancellor Award during the University of Essex’s historic graduation ceremony in New Delhi.

Manish Michael, who studied an MA in Theory and Practice of Human Rights in 2005, is among a select few alumni who will be personally handed the award by our Vice-Chancellor, Professor Anthony Forster, during the celebration.

The Vice-Chancellor Award recognises the outstanding contributions our graduates and postgraduates have made to communities and research since leaving Essex.

Manish went back to India to work with a number of social enterprises to provide support and essential services to people in need.

He is currently heading Partnership for Reliance Foundation, of Reliance Industries Limited, a Fortune 500 company and the largest private sector corporation in India.

Prior to joining Reliance Foundation, Manish has served communities across the country in the capacity of Chief Executive Officer of United Way in India.

He was associated with the United Way network in India for over a decade, where he successfully seeded the Bengaluru chapter and was later promoted to lead the India network of United Way.

During his tenure, Manish ensured that companies' valuable Corporate Responsibility contributions are put to best use to uplift communities.

He has also worked with Child Rights and You (CRY) and served people in Nigeria, West Africa.

In his free time Manish, supports a social enterprise working on mental and physical well-being of Elders.

Manish said: “I am very happy and honoured to accept the Vice-Chancellor award and will enjoy connecting with the Essex community again at the ceremony. I always look back fondly at my time studying Human Rights at Essex and am proud to have built on everything I learned there throughout my career.”

Professor Forster said: “Manish is a wonderful example of our students giving back to the communities they grew up in. He has built upon his time here at Essex and changed the lives of so many people across India and Nigeria.

“Manish has worked hard to lead one of the largest private corporations in India and is well placed to carry on his incredible work. It will be an honour to present him with the Vice-Chancellor Award.”

Manish joins fellow Essex alumni Sanchita Ain in receiving a Vice-Chancellor Award, with another two winners to be announced in November.

The graduation ceremony will take place on Sunday 18 February at the Andaz Delhi hotel.

More information including how you can book tickets is available via our dedicated events page.