The 21st edition of the prestigious Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice recently concluded, casting a global spotlight on individuals and organisations dedicated to fostering peace, equality, and humanitarian action. Instituted by the Mumbai-based Harmony Foundation, the awards serve as a powerful tribute to the legacy of Saint Mother Teresa, recognising those who embody her spirit of selfless service.
Global Icons Honoured for Lifelong Dedication
This year's ceremony celebrated a diverse array of laureates whose work spans environmental conservation, diplomacy, healthcare, and human rights advocacy. The international recipients included the renowned ethologist and conservationist Dr. Jane Goodall, honoured for her groundbreaking work with primates and her global youth programme, Roots & Shoots. From the world of diplomacy, India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, was recognised for his pivotal role in advancing global peace and fostering international cooperation.
The awards also paid homage to medical heroes. Dr. Jila Baniyaghoob, an Iranian journalist and physician, was acknowledged for her courageous fight for women's rights and healthcare in Iran. The ceremony remembered the late Dr. M. R. Rajagopal, India's pioneer of palliative care, awarding him posthumously for his transformative work in alleviating pain and suffering.
Recognising Courage in Conflict and Community Service
A significant focus of the 2023 awards was on bravery in zones of conflict. The Rescue Committee for Sudan received honours for its critical humanitarian efforts amid the country's devastating civil war. In a powerful recognition of journalistic integrity, Palestinian journalist Motasem A Dalloul was awarded for his fearless reporting from Gaza, highlighting the human cost of conflict.
National contributions were equally celebrated. Social activist Bilkis Bano, one of the faces of the Shaheen Bagh protest against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), was lauded for her steadfast commitment to constitutional values. The Evangelical Fellowship of India (EFI) was recognised for its extensive work in relief, rehabilitation, and advocacy for marginalised communities across the nation.
A Legacy of Promoting Harmony and Justice
Dr. Abraham Mathai, founder and chairman of the Harmony Foundation, emphasised that the awards are more than just a ceremony; they are a movement. He stated that the foundation's core mission is to identify and honour those who work tirelessly, often without recognition, to create a more just and compassionate world. The awards, he noted, aim to amplify their voices and inspire others to take action.
The selection process for the Mother Teresa Memorial Awards is rigorous, involving a committee that seeks out genuine changemakers from across the globe. By honouring figures like Dr. Jane Goodall and Dr. S. Jaishankar alongside grassroots activists and crisis responders, the awards create a unique tapestry of global humanitarianism. They underscore the idea that the pursuit of social justice takes many forms, from environmental stewardship and diplomatic peacemaking to on-the-ground relief and defending human dignity against all odds.
The 21st edition successfully continued this legacy, reminding the world that Mother Teresa's message of love and service continues to resonate through the extraordinary work of these contemporary champions.
