The organisation plans to confer the award on Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Patna.
Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has been chosen by US-based Periyar International for the 'K Veeramani Social Justice Award', instituted by non-resident followers of Dalit icon Periyar EV Ramasami.
Welcoming the decision, JD(U) general secretary KC Tyagi said that this is a "great honour" to their party leader noting that the previous awardees include big names for the cause of social justice including late Prime Minister VP Singh, M Karunanidhi, Sitaram Kesri and Mayawati.
Congress lawmaker V Hanumantha Rao and a former minister in Maharashtra government Chhagan Bhujbal were also given this award. The award carries a plaque and cash of Rs 1 lakh.
"The weaker and marginalised sections of the society will also feel honoured with this decision," Mr Tyagi said.
The organisation plans to confer the award on Mr Kumar in Patna, said Lakshman Tamil, Chairman of Award Committee in a communication to Mr Tyagi.
The award is in the name of K Veeramani, the President of Dravidar Kazhagam.
In a letter to the Bihar Chief Minister, the organisation said that the award is given every year to an individual or institution for having contributed immensely to the cause of social justice.