The Ambedkar Association of North America (AANA) is proud to announce the 2024 recipients of its prestigious annual awards: the Dr. Ambedkar International Award, The Savitrimai Phule International Award, and the Mooknayak Excellency in Journalism Award.
SAMAJ WEEKLY-
Dr. Ambedkar International Award Bestowed on Poet and Activist J.V. Pawar
The Dr. Ambedkar International Award, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to the upliftment of marginalized communities. This year, the award is presented to Mr. J.V. Pawar, a renowned poet, novelist, and co-founder of the Dalit Panther movement.
Mr. Pawar has been a powerful voice for the Dalit community in India. He has tirelessly organized and protested against atrocities faced by Dalits, while also documenting the history of the Dalit Panther movement and Dr. Ambedkar’s legacy through his literary works.
Savitrimai Phule International Award Honours Ms. Nirmala Grace for eradicating the Devadasi System
The Savitrimai Phule International Award recognizes those who fight for the rights of women and marginalized communities. This year, the award is bestowed upon Ms. Nirmala Grace, the Director of “Ashray,” a voluntary organization she founded in 1993.
Ms. Grace and Ashray have been instrumental in eradicating the inhumane and unconstitutional Devadasi/Jogini system in the Telugu states of India. Through her tireless efforts, Ashray has stopped the dedication of young girls as Jogins and worked to integrate existing Jogins into the mainstream society. Ms. Grace’s commitment has empowered caste oppressed women, particularly Jogins, to live a life of dignity, self-respect and pursue their own happiness.
Mooknayak Award Recognizes Outstanding Social Justice Journalism
Established in 2020, the Mooknayak Excellency in Journalism Award honors individuals or organizations working in print or digital media, who raise awareness about social issues faced by marginalized communities, echoing the vision of Dr. Ambedkar. This year’s recipient is The News Beak YouTube channel and Social Media platform.
With over a million subscribers, The News Beak has consistently championed the issues of marginalized communities through its digital and social media presence. It has covered issues unique to caste oppressed that mainstream media otherwise ignores. The News Beak also organizes an annual Bahujan YouTubers meets, fostering collaboration and a stronger voice for Bahujan media, which is the need of the hour.
The award ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 25, 2024, at the AANA’s annual retreat in Keezeltown, VA, USA. Please join us as we honour these recipients and celebrate their achievements.
AANA Awards Team
