Indo-Canadian Bikramjit Nahal, 19, has received the 2002 Lincoln M Alexander Award for promoting racial harmony and eliminating discrimination in his school and community.

The Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, James K Bartleman, and his predecessor Lincoln Alexander, after whom the award is named, honoured him at a ceremony at Queen's Park on December 10.

Tamara McDonald, 17, is the first aboriginal woman who also received a similar award.

"The dedication of these two young people exemplifies the ideals of human rights advocacy in action," said Ontario Citizenship Minister Carl DeFaria.

The presentation coincided with the 54^th anniversary of the signing of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

"The acknowledgement of this milestone, together with the presentation of this morning's awards, underscore the importance of respecting human rights in our society," Alexander said.

"In honouring these two young people today. We should applaud their spirit, drive and commitment. They are helping to improve the overall quality of life in Ontario. They are striving to motivate other youth and adults to act in a similar manner," he added.

Nahal and McDonald "are outstanding role models for Ontarians of all ages. Their success demonstrates what can be achieved by motivated individuals when their cause is right and just", he said.

Nahal studies at Parkside High School in Dundas (Ontario), where he has demonstrated exemplary leadership skills in eliminating racial discrimination, said the citation on the award.

"Bikramjit has spoken about anti-racism on numerous occasions to different school and community groups. He has taken on many challenges and changed the thinking patterns and behaviours of others for the better.

"Bikramjit has played a major role in the elimination of racial discrimination in both his high school as well as other academic settings," it said.

He's vice-president of the Anti-Racism Committee at his school and the group has "organised and launched English and history programmes for elementary and secondary schools in Hamilton-Wentworth that have then been put into action by schools in other parts of Canada and the United States, it added.

McDonald is a student at Sir Winston Churchill High School in Thunder Bay (Ontario). The citation on her award said she is president of the Regional Multicultural Youth Council and has been a stellar example of leadership in action in eliminating racial discrimination in the Thunder Bay area.

The Lincoln M Alexander Award was created in 1993 to recognise the efforts of two Ontario youths, between the ages of 16 and 25, for exemplary leadership in eliminating racial discrimination.

Each of the recipients receives a $2,500 cheque. A committee of representatives from community organisations selects the recipients.