Date: May 26, 2025
Location: Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, USA
THE ASIAN INDEPENDENT UK
The Ambedkar Association of North America (AANA) proudly announced the recipients of the 2025 AANA Awards during its Annual Retreat held from May 23–26, 2025, at Laurelville Retreat Center in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania.
AANA Annual Retreat brought together over 200 participants from North America and India for four days of Dhamma-centered learning, meditation, panel discussions, cultural events, outdoor activities, and the symbolic “Run for Equality.”
Award Recipients – 2025
Savitrimai Phule International Award
Recipient: Shahira Shital Sathe – A celebrated folk artist, poet, and Bahujan rights activist from Pune, Maharashtra, Shahira Shital Sathe was honored for her pioneering efforts in blending traditional musical forms with bold, socially conscious messages. As the co-founder and lead performer of Navayan Mahajalsa, she has used her artistic platform to amplify voices from marginalized communities and raise awareness on caste discrimination and gender justice.
Although unable to attend in person, Shital Sathe ji shared a heartfelt video message, in which she expressed her deep gratitude to AANA and dedicated the award to Savitrimai Phule, saying, “I feel proud and happy to accept this award in the name of Savitrimai Phule. I thank AANA for recognizing and supporting my work in promoting the teachings of Phule and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.”
Mrs. Sujata Wahane accepted the award on her behalf.
“Mooknayak” Excellence in Journalism Award
Recipient: Awaaz India TV – This year’s Mooknayak Excellence in Journalism Award was conferred to Awaaz India TV, a leading Hindi-language digital and cable news platform with over 2.5 million subscribers. Since its inception, Awaaz India TV has played a vital role in advocating for social justice, amplifying marginalized voices, and promoting Buddhist values through powerful storytelling and in-depth reporting.
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar International Award
Recipient: Dr. Vivek Kumar
– Renowned sociologist and author, Dr. Vivek Kumar, was recognized for his pathbreaking contributions to caste studies, Indian diaspora scholarship, and Ambedkarite social thought. A professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, Dr. Kumar is the author of Caste and Democracy in India (2014) and has served in esteemed academic positions, including as Visiting Professor at Columbia University and Humboldt University.
Dr Kumar was able to attend the event and he dedicated this award to his mother.
During the ceremony, Dr. Kumar addressed the audience and guided them with his valuable insights on contemporary caste dynamics, social movements, and the enduring relevance of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s philosophy in modern society. His thought-provoking reflections deeply resonated with attendees and provided a powerful intellectual anchor for the retreat.
These honours reaffirm AANA’s commitment to recognizing and supporting the tireless efforts of individuals and organizations working to uphold the vision and legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Savitrimai Phule, and other pioneers of social transformation.
Contact:
Ambedkar Association of North America (AANA)
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.aanausa.org
