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Correspondent

23 August 2024 at 4:29:04 pm

Kaleidoscope

Students of Visva-Bharati University smear colours on each other during the ‘Basant Bandana’ event, marking 'Holi' celebrations, at Santiniketan in Birbhum on Friday. Former cricketer Yuvraj Singh during the 'DP World Celebrity Golf' event at the Bombay Presidency Golf Club in Mumbai on Friday. Workers prepare vermicelli at a factory during the holy month of 'Ramzan' in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on Friday. A youngster walks amidst a flock of pigeons, a day after the Nepal parliamentary...

Kaleidoscope

Students of Visva-Bharati University smear colours on each other during the ‘Basant Bandana’ event, marking 'Holi' celebrations, at Santiniketan in Birbhum on Friday. Former cricketer Yuvraj Singh during the 'DP World Celebrity Golf' event at the Bombay Presidency Golf Club in Mumbai on Friday. Workers prepare vermicelli at a factory during the holy month of 'Ramzan' in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh on Friday. A youngster walks amidst a flock of pigeons, a day after the Nepal parliamentary elections in Kathmandu, Nepal on Friday. Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel perform during a function marking the 57th Raising Day of the CISF at Mundali, in Cuttack district, Odisha, on Friday.

Four champions of Gandhian values honoured

Tirveni Acharya felicitated with Award for Development and Welfare of Women and Children at 47th Jamnalal Bajaj Awards. / Pic: Bhushan Koyande
Tirveni Acharya felicitated with Award for Development and Welfare of Women and Children at 47th Jamnalal Bajaj Awards. / Pic: Bhushan Koyande

Mumbai: Four eminent personalities and champions of Gandhian principles from across India including one from Mumbai, were honoured with the coveted Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation (JBF) awards for their contributions of truth, non-violence and humanitarian services.

 

They are: Hasmukh Babubhai Patel of Gujarat for ‘Constructive Work’; P. M. Murugesan of Tamil Nadu for ‘Application of Science & Technology for Rural Development’; Triveni Acharya of Maharashtra for ‘Development & Welfare of Women and Children’; and Sekacheva Lyudmila Leonidovna of Russia for ‘Promoting Gandhian Values Outside India’.


Mumbai's journalist-turned-activist, Triveni Acharya is regarded as India's foremost anti-trafficking crusader for over 25 years, rescuing, rehabilitating and empowering survivors through her "Rescue Foundation", based in Kandivali east.


So far, the RF has rescued more than 7000 girls-women, opened four homes in different parts of India where more than 11,000  are given care, shelter and rehabilitation.


Beyond rescue, Acharya ensures holistic recovery through medical care, trauma counselling, legal aid, education and livelihood training, a Project Ekatra that empowers survivors to become mentors and peer leaders, etc., working with Police, foreign embassies and NGOs.


The ceremony’s Chief Guest was Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswatiji Maharaj, along with JBF Chairman Shekhar Bajaj, Trustee and Chairman of Council of Advisors Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, and other dignitaries besides a distinguished eminent gathering.

 

Each awardee received a Citation, Trophy, and a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh, and reinforces the JBF’s mission to advance the vision of the legendary Jamnalal Bajaj - a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi - who dedicated his life to social reform and national development.

 

This year’s ceremony also carried a note of remembrance, being the first since the passing of Trustee Madhur Bajaj in April 2025, whose legacy of philanthropy and social commitment was fondly recalled.

 

“Every year, the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation Awards spotlight individuals whose tireless work uplifts humanity. This year’s awardees have not only transformed lives but also rekindled faith in compassion and constructive action,” said Shekhar Bajaj.

 

Dr. Mashelkar described the honorees as “modern-day Satyagrahis - warriors of conscience who fight with compassion, not confrontation”.

 

“Each has proven that a single determined heart can illuminate darkness and restore hope, embodying Gandhian resilience and truth,” said Dr. Mashelkar.

 

Trustee and Hon. Director Minal Bajaj reflected on JBF’s guiding philosophy, recalling Gandhiji’s words about Jamnalal Bajaj: “He did not earn a single rupee through unethical means and spent whatever he earned for the good of the people.”

 

She added, “The Foundation continues to seek out these hidden gems, individuals transforming communities or reshaping nations, staying true to our mission of celebrating selfless service.”

 

Over nearly five decades, the JBF awards have stood as one of India’s foremost recognitions of humanitarian endeavour, continuing to inspire collective action rooted in the timeless ideals of Gandhi and Jamnalal Bajaj.

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