Mr. Avdhash Kaushal, Chairperson, Rural Litigation & Entitlement Kendra, (RLEK), was awarded 'Uttaranchal Ratan' by H.E. Shri Surjeet Singh Barnala, Hon'ble Governor, Uttarakhand at a seminar on 'The role of intellectuals in the development of Uttaranchal Pradesh' organised by All India Conference of Intellectuals on 11th August 2002.

H.E. Dr. Suraj Bhan, Hon. Governor, Himachal Pradesh inaugurated this seminar. H.E. Shri S.S. Barnala, Hon. Governor, Uttarakhand Pradesh was the Chief Guest at the function. The function was presided by Hon'ble Justice Mr. Ashok A. Desai, Chief Justice Uttarakhand High Court. Dr. G.V.G. Krishana Murty, former Election Commissioner, Dr. Bhisham Narain Singh, former Governor, national president AICOI, Shri S. K. Garg, CMD Eldeco, National Executive Chairman, AICOI, Shri R.C. Dikshit, former DGP Uttar Pradesh, National Gen. Sec., AICOI, Shri D. N. Tewari, Member Planning Commission of India, Patron AICOI were the distinguish guests.

Air Vice Marshal Dr. N. Natrajan, Vice Chancellor H.N.B. Garhwal University, Shri B.P. Nailwal, DGP. Chennai, Shri P.D. Raturi, DGP Uttarakhand, Shri GIG Mann, Carman R & D School, Dehra Dun, Dr. Ajay S. Rawat, Prof. Kumaon University, Nainital, Shri Pratap Bhaiya, Advocate, Nainital, Shri Brahm Swaroop Brahamchari, Jai Ram Ashram, Haridwar, Shri P.D. Agarwal, CMD Vijay Rice Mill, Rudrapur, Dr. GiriRaj Shah, Greeshm Ashram Bhawali, Dr. Sudha Pandey, member Public Service Commission of Uttarakhandl were also amongst the award recipients.