In her acceptance speech, Gupta said: 'I receive this award on behalf of the victims and survivors of human trafficking who are members of my organisation, Apne Aap Women Worldwide in India.

'I also receive this award on behalf of people who want a world in which it is unacceptable to buy or sell another human being and to imagine an economy in which one is not forced to sell oneself.'

Hollywood actress Demi Moore, who presented the award to Gupta, hailed her for her commitment to combating human trafficking.

Apne Aap Women Worldwide works to end sex trafficking in Bihar, Maharashtra, Delhi and West Bengal.

It has established 67 self help groups to create sustainable livelihood options for women in prostitution and has put 854 children in schools. It is campaigning to change the Indian anti-trafficking law, Immoral Traffic Prevention Act (ITPA), to severely punish buyers and traffickers.