Ambedkarite group honors changemakers at 2025 annual retreat in Pennsylvania

By A Representative

The Ambedkar Association of North America (AANA) 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.

The 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 "Run for Equality."

Shahira Shital Sathe was named the recipient of the Savitrimai Phule International Award. A folk artist, poet, and Bahujan rights activist from Pune, Maharashtra, Sathe was recognized for her efforts in blending musical forms with socially focused messages. As the co-founder and performer of Navayan Mahajalsa, she has used her platform to highlight voices from marginalized communities and raise awareness on caste discrimination and gender justice. Although unable to attend in person, Sathe shared a video message expressing gratitude to AANA and dedicated the award to Savitrimai Phule. Mrs. Sujata Wahane accepted the award on her behalf.

The Mooknayak Excellence in Journalism Award was presented to Awaaz India TV, a Hindi-language digital and cable news platform with over 2.5 million subscribers. Since its start, Awaaz India TV has worked on issues of social justice, representation, and Buddhist values through reporting and storytelling. Vijay Bagade and Vishwanath Meshram accepted the award on behalf of the team and, in a message, expressed their commitment to the values of equality, humanity, and nationality.

The Dr. B. R. Ambedkar International Award was given to Dr. Vivek Kumar, a sociologist and author, for his work in caste studies, Indian diaspora research, and Ambedkarite thought. A professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, Dr. Kumar is the author of Caste and Democracy in India and has held academic positions, including Visiting Professor at Columbia University and Humboldt University. Dr. Kumar attended the event, dedicated the award to his mother, and spoke on caste dynamics, social movements, and the relevance of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s philosophy. His reflections were well received by the audience.

Speaking on the occasion, an AANA spokesperson said, “These awards reflect our continued commitment to recognizing individuals and organizations that carry forward the vision of social equality, justice, and knowledge. We are honored to celebrate those who are making a lasting impact through their work inspired by the teachings of Dr. Ambedkar and other social reformers.”

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