New Delhi: Celebrated Indian author and human rights advocate Rajesh Talwar has been awarded the prestigious Alumni Laureate Award by the University of Nottingham, his alma mater, in recognition of his outstanding global contributions to human rights, legal reform, and education.
A former senior United Nations official, legal scholar, and Chevening Scholar, Mr. Talwar pursued his LL.M in International Human Rights Law at the University of Nottingham from 1996 to 1997. The award celebrates alumni who have made a significant impact in their profession, advanced social causes, and contributed meaningfully to society at large.
Over a distinguished two-decade career with the United Nations, Mr. Talwar has served in mission-critical roles across Kosovo, Somalia, Afghanistan, Kenya, East Timor, and Liberia, often in post-conflict and humanitarian settings. At the UN Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK), he served as Executive Officer and chaired the Secretariat to the Human Rights Advisory Panel, playing a pivotal role in shaping the region’s human rights oversight. He also served as Legal Advisor to the Police Commissioner in the UN Mission in Timor-Leste (UNMIT) and as Deputy Legal Adviser to the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA).
Parallel to his international legal career, Talwar is a prolific writer, having authored 42 books spanning legal commentary, social issues, fiction, drama, and children’s literature. His works reflect a lifelong commitment to justice, equality, and inclusion. Notable titles include The Third Sex and Human Rights; Courting Injustice: The Nirbhaya Case and Its Aftermath—a searing critique of India’s criminal justice system; and The Mahatma’s Manifesto, a bold reappraisal of Gandhi’s Hind Swaraj for the modern world.
An alumnus of La Martiniere College, Lucknow and Hindu College, University of Delhi, Mr. Talwar has also attended executive education courses at Harvard, Oxford, and Cambridge. Before joining the UN, he practiced law at the Delhi courts and taught at Delhi University and Jamia Millia Islamia.
In their citation, the University of Nottingham awards jury remarked:
“This nominee has had a global impact, contributing to human rights and sustainability through policy change and education, such as writing a play on toxic terror and a book on caste discrimination. The judges selected Rajesh for embodying the value of respect through his dedication to the cause of human rights.”
The reference to “toxic terror” highlights Talwar’s play The Killings in November, which addresses environmental violence and has been performed by Delhi University students. The reference to caste discrimination pertains to his acclaimed children’s play The Boy Who Wrote a Constitution, based on the childhood of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, depicting the formative struggles of India’s foremost social reformer.
In response to the honour, Talwar stated:
“It is deeply meaningful to be recognised by my alma mater, the University of Nottingham, which played a transformative role in shaping my values, perspectives, and career. Studying human rights law as a Chevening Scholar gave me access to world-class training and a global outlook that continues to guide my work. Whether in the UN or through writing, the foundation laid at Nottingham has remained a constant source of strength. This award is not just a personal honour — it represents the enduring educational and cultural bridge between India and the UK, empowering individuals to drive global change.”
Talwar is currently developing an AI-generated animated film titled Smoky Sky Songs, addressing the urgent issue of air pollution in India.
He will formally receive the Alumni Laureate Award at a special ceremony in July 2025 in the United Kingdom, as part of the University of Nottingham’s global celebrations of alumni excellence.
