Rons Bantwal

Daijiworld Media Network – Mumbai

Mumbai, Nov11: Harmony Foundation hosted the prestigious Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice 2024 on November 10, at Hotel Sofitel BKC, in Mumbai. The award celebrates and commemorates the legacy of Mother Teresa and is the only one endorsed by the superior general of the missionaries of Charity, Kolkata.

The award was graced by Hon Justice KK Tated as the chief guest, chairperson of the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission; and other guests of honour such as MA Sayeed, member of the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission; Radhika Rastogi IAS, principal secretary of the tourism and cultural affairs department, government of Maharashtra; among other distinguished guests, including renowned filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, actress Soni Razdan and actor Denzil Smith.

For the 20th year of the award on the theme of 'Humanity in Action' the ceremony celebrated individuals and organizations worldwide who demonstrate selfless service, compassion, and dedication to helping others including the posthumous award being conferred on Ratan Tata. The theme highlighted the urgent need for compassion and unity in a world facing ongoing challenges, conflict, and suffering.

Today, hostility and extremism pose serious threats to global peace and coexistence, adding to a host of other critical challenges we face. In these difficult times, the recipients of our award stand as symbols of hope, working tirelessly to make a real difference and uplift humanity. These recipients, advocates of humanity from diverse fields around the globe, are dedicated to spreading compassion, offering support, and uplifting communities. Their commitment reflected the profound legacy of Mother Teresa, inspiring us all to strive for a better world.

Recipients this year felicitated with the Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice 2024:

Late Ratan Tata: Posthumously awarded in recognition of his remarkable contributions, compassionate leadership, and humanitarian impact beyond his role in business, leaving a lasting legacy of service and social responsibility that continues to inspire and uplift communities. The posthumous award on his behalf was received by Siddharth Sharma, CEO, Tata Trusts.

Lena Grochowska and Wladyslaw Grochowski: Jointly awarded in recognition of their extraordinary humanitarian efforts and compassionate services in supporting and empowering Ukrainian refugees in Poland. The award on their behalf was received by their grandson Jan Grochowski, and Aneta Zochowska, director of the Lena Grochowska Foundation.

Palak Muchhal: Awarded in recognition of her dedication and the compassionate mission to fund three thousand life-saving heart surgeries for underprivileged children in India through singing.

Smile Train: Awarded in recognition for offering life-changing, free, high-quality cleft lip and palate treatments for over 2 million children in 95+ countries, fostering long-term sustainability through local medical professionals. The award was received by Renu Mehta, area director - South Asia, smile train.

WaterAid International: Awarded in recognition of their dedication to providing clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene, along with collaboration with government agencies in 22 countries to advocate for water access and address the climate crisis. The award was received by V K Madhavan, chief executive, WaterAid India.

Vision Rescue: Awarded in recognition of their dedication to rescuing children from exploitation, engaging them in education, and fostering intergenerational transformation for over two decades. The award was received by the Vision Rescue team Susan Raju Paul, CEO; Rajesh Jadhav, managing trustee; and Ajesh Jose, director of strategic planning.

Chetna Gala Sinha: Awarded in recognition of her dedication and commitment to empowering rural women in India, and for innovative approaches to their financial inclusion and up skilling.

Julienne Lusenge: Awarded in recognition of her relentless pursuit of supporting survivors of sexual violence, and commitment to women's rights in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The award on her behalf was received by Wangechi Githaiga, resource mobilisation officer, fund for Congolese women.

Purnata: Awarded in recognition of their relentless fight against human trafficking and humanitarian efforts to support and rehabilitate trafficking survivors in India. The award was received by founder Aaboo Varghese.

Jusoor: Awarded in recognition of their steadfast commitment and efforts to maximise the potential of Syrian children and youth affected by war and displacement through education and empowerment. The award was received by Khaled Abu Ajwa, executive director, Jusoor.

Rohini Nilekani: Awarded in recognition of her steadfast commitment to humanitarian causes and philanthropy, as well as exceptional contributions towards the betterment of Indian society. The award on her behalf was received by Gautam John, CEO, Rohini Nilekani philanthropies.

White Helmets: The award was also presented to the organisation, the White Helmets, who were nominated in 2016 but were unable to attend due to unforeseen circumstances; and they received their award this year. They were recognized for their extraordinary resilience and exemplary bravery in conducting rescue operations in war-torn Syria demonstrating an unwavering commitment to saving lives amidst overwhelming challenge. The award was received by Ahmed Ekzayez, chief programmes manager, White Helmets. They were felicitated by Sandeep Bali, head of prevention, International committee of the Red Cross, and Dr Farhat Mantoo, executive director, Médecins Sans Frontières, South Asia.

About Harmony Foundation

The Harmony Foundation is a non-profit organisation founded by Dr Abraham Mathai, based in Mumbai, India. Its raison d’être is the strengthening of social cohesion among various communities and working towards the benefit of all without any discrimination.

The humanitarian contributions of the revered saint, Mother Teresa, rooted in compassion and humanity, continues to inspire us all. Harmony Foundation’s Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice honours her legacy of kindness and love by recognizing the compassionate efforts of our recipients. Instituted in 2005, the Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice has celebrated the dedication of individuals and organisations worldwide in promoting peace, harmony, and social justice. For the past 19 years, this prestigious award has recognized selfless individuals and groups who stand as beacons of hope, striving to make the world a better place. The award has been received by world leaders, 8 Nobel Laureates, global organisations, and remarkable individuals.