Honouring unity and activism: 6th Ankit Junaid social harmony award recognizes youth leadership

By A Representative

Bhramcahari Sudhanand Ji and Karan Rawat have been honoured with the sixth Ankit Junaid Social Harmony Award at the Gandhi Peace Foundation, New Delhi. The award, initiated by Khudai Khidmatgar in 2018, commemorates Hafiz Junaid and Ankit Saxena, both victims of communal violence, and aims to foster communal harmony among youth. The award includes a memento, certificate, shawl, and a cash prize.

The ceremony was attended by Magsaysay awardee Dr. Sandeep Pandey, socialist thinker and farmer leader Dr. Sunilam, senior Gandhian Ramesh Chand Sharma Ji, and Khudai Khidmatgar National Coordinator Faisal Khan. Following the award distribution, an interactive session on "Youth and Communalism" was conducted, moderated by Khudai Khidmatgar leader Rizwan Khan. Kripal Singh Mandloi spoke about the award’s mission, emphasizing the need to cultivate fraternity and coexistence among youth as future leaders of the nation.

Bhramcahari Sudhanand Ji recently completed his final year of LLB at Hemwati Nandan Bahuguna University, Uttarakhand. He has argued cases related to public interest across District Court Haridwar, Uttarakhand High Court, and the Supreme Court of India. Under the guidance of His Holiness Shri Gurudev Ji, he has committed himself to spiritual service and environmental activism, particularly focusing on the protection of the Ganga River.

Karan Rawat has been actively advocating for gender and religious minorities. He has collaborated with organizations such as The Humsafar Trust, Gandhinagar Pride Foundation, and grassroots initiatives like The Collective to promote inclusion and justice. His activism continues to support marginalized communities in their fight for equity and dignity.

Dr. Sunilam reflected on India's rural traditions, emphasizing the innate harmony and collective spirit of farming communities. He condemned political efforts to disrupt this unity and expressed solidarity with war-affected children in Gaza.

Dr. Sandeep Pandey highlighted the deeply ingrained caste-based discrimination, arguing that true social justice and human solidarity are the only means to combat hate. He called for embracing the philosophy of “Vasudeva Kutumbakam,” reinforcing universal compassion.

Senior Gandhian Ramesh Chand Sharma Ji reaffirmed India’s history of peaceful coexistence, criticizing divisive political agendas. He urged the revival of Gandhian values to restore communal harmony and concluded his remarks with a Gandhi bhajan.

Faisal Khan, Khudai Khidmatgar’s national coordinator, underscored the movement’s unwavering commitment to propagating peace in memory of Ankit and Junaid, reiterating the legacy of leaders such as Gandhi, Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan, and Baba Saheb Ambedkar.

Both awardees shared insights on youth and communalism, urging greater engagement in real social issues beyond communal divisions. Karan Rawat described his formative years in a Muslim-majority neighborhood, affirming his belief in unity beyond religion and caste. He dedicated his award to all victims of violence and injustice worldwide.

Sudhanand Ji reflected on his activism for the Ganga ecosystem, emphasizing the youth’s responsibility to shape an inclusive future based on constitutional values. He dedicated his award to Matri Sadan Ashram and Sant Swami Gyan Swaroop Sanand Ji.

Sameera Ahmed, leader of Khudai Khidmatgar’s women’s wing, congratulated the awardees, commending their dedication to humanity, equality, and peace-building. The event saw participation from several social activists and legal professionals, reinforcing collective efforts for communal harmony.

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