1 week Ago
MUMBAI: Industrialist-philanthropist Ratan Tata was posthumously conferred the prestigious Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice 2024 by the Harmony Foundation at a ceremony held at a hotel in the city recently. The award, which celebrates and commemorates the legacy of Mother Teresa, is the only one endorsed by the Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity, Kolkata. The ceremony was graced by Justice K.
K. Tated, Chairperson of the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission, as the Chief Guest. Other Guests of Honour included M.
A. Sayeed, member of the Maharashtra State Human Rights Commission, and Radhika Rastogi, IAS, Principal Secretary of the Tourism and Cultural Affairs Department, Government of Maharashtra. Distinguished attendees also included filmmaker Mahesh Bhatt, actress Soni Razdan, and actor Denzil Smith.
During the award ceremony, Abraham Mathai, founder-chairman of the Harmony Foundation and former Vice-Chairman of the Minorities Commission, highlighted the importance of the awards. He remarked, "With all due respect and admiration for the Nobel Laureates, has anyone realized that the Nobel Prize was instituted by Alfred Nobel as a gesture of utmost remorse and apology for the devastating destruction caused by his invention of dynamite and other high explosives?" Mathai contrasted this with the Mother Teresa Memorial Award, saying it honors the ethos of selflessness that Mother Teresa epitomized. He emphasized her legacy of pursuing social justice and her enduring role as a symbol of peace for generations.
Mathai proudly noted that eight Nobel laureates, including the Dalai Lama, have previously accepted the Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice after receiving the Nobel Prize, underscoring the global respect for Mother Teresa’s work. He also stressed the pressing need for compassionate leadership in today’s world, stating that servant leadership, exemplified by Mother Teresa, stands in stark contrast to dictatorships that abuse power. Citing a recent conversation with nuns in Gaza, who risked their lives to care for disabled children amidst conflict, Mathai called this "true humanity in action.
" Mathai urged leaders to prioritize cooperation over confrontation, dialogue over discord, and sustainability over exploitation. He encouraged global citizens to demand action on urgent social issues and expressed hope that the award would inspire positive change. The 20th edition of the award ceremony, themed “Humanity in Action,” celebrated individuals and organizations worldwide who demonstrate selfless service, compassion, and dedication to helping others.
The theme highlighted the urgent need for unity and compassion in addressing global challenges, conflicts, and suffering. This year’s recipients included advocates of humanity from diverse fields who embody the values of Mother Teresa. Awardees of the Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice 2024: Rohini Nilekani – Recognized for steadfast commitment to humanitarian causes and philanthropy, along with exceptional contributions to Indian society.
Vision Rescue – Honored for rescuing children from exploitation, engaging them in education, and fostering intergenerational transformation. Purnata – Acknowledged for its relentless fight against human trafficking and efforts to rehabilitate survivors in India. Chetna Gala Sinha – Awarded for empowering rural women in India and pioneering financial inclusion and upskilling initiatives.
Julienne Lusenge – Recognized for supporting survivors of sexual violence and promoting women’s rights and gender equality in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Palak Muchhal – Honored for funding life-saving heart surgeries for underprivileged children in India through her philanthropic singing career. Jusoor – Recognized for empowering Syrian children and youth affected by war and displacement through education.
Smile Train – Honored for providing free, life-changing cleft lip and palate treatments and empowering local medical professionals globally. Lena Grochowska and Wladyslaw Grochowski – Acknowledged for humanitarian efforts supporting Ukrainian refugees in Poland. WaterAid International – Recognized for providing clean water, decent toilets, and good hygiene, and for addressing climate issues in collaboration with governments in 22 countries.
Late Ratan Tata – Posthumously awarded for his remarkable contributions, compassionate leadership, and enduring legacy of service and social responsibility. White Helmets – Honored for extraordinary bravery and resilience in conducting rescue operations in war-torn Syria, demonstrating unwavering commitment to saving lives. The recipients of this year’s awards serve as symbols of hope, working tirelessly to uplift humanity and inspire a better, more compassionate world.
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