Tag Archives: awards

UN awards 2025 Mandela Prize to Brenda Reynolds and Kennedy Odede

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Secretary-General António Guterres will present the award to Brenda Reynolds and Kennedy Odede on 18 July, Nelson Mandela International Day.

Established in 2014, the prize is awarded every five years to two individuals whose work reflects the late South African President’s legacy of leadership, humility, service, and unity across borders.

“This year’s Mandela prize winners embody the spirit of unity and possibility – reminding us how we all have the power to shape stronger communities and a better world,” said Mr. Guterres.

Brenda Reynolds

A Status Treaty member of the Fishing Lake Saulteaux First Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada, Brenda Reynolds has spent decades advancing Indigenous rights, mental health, and trauma-informed care.

Brenda Reynolds, 2025 Mandela Prize winner.

Linda Dickinson Photography

Brenda Reynolds, 2025 Mandela Prize winner.

In 1988, she supported 17 teenage girls in the first residential school sexual abuse case in Saskatchewan. Later, she became a special adviser to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), helping shape survivor support and trauma responses.

She is most recognised for her key role in Canada’s court-ordered Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement and her subsequent development of the Indian Residential School Resolution Health Support Program—a national initiative offering culturally grounded mental health care for survivors and families.

In 2023, she was invited by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and the European Union to share her expertise on trauma and cultural genocide.

Kennedy Odede

Living in Kenya’s Kibera Slum for 23 years, Kennedy Odede went from living on the street at 10 years old to global recognition when he was named one of TIME magazine’s 2024 100 Most Influential People.

His journey began with a small act: saving his meagre factory earnings to buy a soccer ball and bring his community together. That spark grew into Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), a grassroots movement he now leads as CEO. SHOFCO operates in 68 locations across Kenya, empowering local groups and delivering vital services to over 2.4 million people every year.

Mr. Odede is also a New York Times bestselling co-author and holds roles with USAID, the World Economic Forum, the Obama Foundation, and the Clinton Global Initiative.

Kennedy Odede, 2025 Mandela Prize winner

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President Murmu presents National Service Scheme Awards for the year 2020-21

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The President of India, Droupadi Murmu presented the National Service Scheme Awards for the year 2020-2021 at Rashtrapati Bhavan today.Union Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports Shri Anurag Thakur and Minister of State for Youth Affairs & Sports Shri Nisith Pramanik attended the awards ceremony. Secretary, Youth Affairs, Shri Sanjay Kumar and Secretary, Sports, Smt. Sujata Chaturvedi and senior officers of the Ministry and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

 

Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports, Department of Youth Affairs confers every year the National Service Scheme Award to recognize and reward outstanding contributions towards voluntary community service made by the Universities/ +2 Council, Programme Officers/NSS Units and NSS Volunteers, with a view to further promote NSS in the country. At Present, NSS has about 40 lakh volunteers on its rolls spread over the country.The details of National Service Scheme (NSS) Award for the year 2020-21 in 3 different categories are as under:

S. No. Categories No. of Awards Value of Award
1 University/ +2 Council 2 First Award: Rs.5,00,000/- (for NSS Programme Development) with a Trophy to the University/ +2 Council.

A Certificate and a Silver Medal to the Programme Coordinator.

 

Second Award: Rs.3,00,000 lakh (for NSS Programme Development) with a Trophy to the University/ +2 Council.

A Certificate and a Silver Medal to the Programme Coordinator.
2 NSS Units and their Programme Officers 10+10 Rs.2,00,000/-     to    each    NSS    Unit    (For    NSS Programme Development), with a Trophy.

 

Rs. 1,50,000/- to each Programme Officer with a Certificate and a Silver Medal.
3 NSS Volunteers 30 Rs. 1,00,000/- to each Volunteer, with a Certificate and a Silver Medal.

NSS is a Centrally Sector Scheme which was launched in the year 1969 with the primary objective of developing the personality and character of the student youth through voluntary community service. The ideological orientation of the NSS is inspired by the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. Very appropriately, the motto of NSS is “NOT ME, BUT YOU”(‘स्वयं से पहले आप’).

Briefly, the NSS volunteers work on issues of social relevance, which keep evolving in response to the needs of the community, through regular and special camping activities. Such issues include (i) literacy and education, (ii) health, family welfare and nutrition, (iii) environment conservation, (iv) social service programmes, (v) programmes for empowerment of women, (vi) programmes connected with economic development activities, (vii) rescue and relief during calamities, (viii) Swachhata activities, etc.

 

Nominations for Padma Awards-2023 open till 15th Sept

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New Delhi, (IANS): The Padma awards, namely Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, are among the highest civilian awards of the country.

Instituted in 1954, these awards are announced on the occasion of Republic Day every year.

The award is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements or service in all fields or disciplines such as Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade and Industry etc.

All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these awards. Government servants, including those working with PSUs, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible for the Padma awards.

 

Padma awards

 

Online nominations/recommendations for the Padma Awards 2023 to be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2023 have opened on 1st May, 2022. The last date for nominations for Padma Awards is 15th September, 2022. The nominations/recommendations for Padma Awards will be received online only on the Rashtriya Puruskar Portal (https://awards.gov.in).

Details in this regard are also available under the heading ‘Awards and Medals’ on the website of the Ministry of Home Affairs (https://mha.gov.in) and on the Padma Awards Portal (https://padmaawards.gov.in). The statutes and rules relating to these awards are available on the website with the link https://padmaawards.gov.in/AboutAwards.aspx .

Actress Sridevi dies of fatal heart attack in Dubai, shocked Bollywood, Telugu, Tamil film industry reacts

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Telugu, Tamil and Hindi actress Sridevi, 54, has passed away, in Dubai while attending a family function. She suffered a fatal heart attack, said family sources and her brother-in-law and actor Sanjay Kapoor confirmed the news with reporters.

Sridevi was in Dubai for the marriage of her nephew and actress Sonam Kapoor’s cousin Mohit Marwah, along with her husband Boney Kapoor and younger daughter Khushi Kapoor.  Her elder daughter Jahnvi Kapoor is currently busy with her debut film.

Known to Telugu audience since 1973 with Bala Bharatam, Sridevi has acted as a child actress and went on to make her debut as heroine in a film “Padaharella Vayasu” when she was just entering 16. Later she was able to act with top Telugu heroes from NT Rama Rao, Akkinei Nageshwara Rao to Venkatesh. She acted in 300 films so far since the 1970s.

Her top Hindi films included “Mr India”, “Nagina”, “Sadma”, “Chaalbaaz”, “Chandni” among many others. Her last film was “Mom” in 2017.

The entire Indian film fraternity was shocked by her sudden death as she is still into acting, while her daughters are also preparing to enter the film field.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his shock at the sudden demise of the actress. He tweeted: “Saddened by the untimely demise of noted actor Sridevi. She was a veteran of the film industry, whose long career included diverse roles and memorable performances. My thoughts are with her family and admirers in this hour of grief. May her soul rest in peace.”

President Ram Nath Kovind also tweeted saying, “Shocked to hear of passing of movie star Sridevi. She has left millions of fans heartbroken. Her performances in films such as ‘Moondram Pirai’, ‘Lamhe’ and ‘English Vinglish’ remain an inspiration for other actors. My condolences to her family and close associates.”

PRIYANKA
(@priyankachopra)
I have no words. Condolences to everyone who loved #Sridevi . A dark day . RIP

Preity zinta
(@realpreityzinta)
Heartbroken & shocked to hear that my all time favourite #Sridevi is no more. May god give peace to her soul & strength to the family #RIP

Kamal Haasan
(@ikamalhaasan)
Have witnessed Sridevi’s life from an adolescent teenager to the magnificeint lady she became. Her stardom was well deserved. Many happy moments with her flash through my mind including the last time I met her. Sadma’s lullaby haunts me now. We’ll miss her.

Lobo_gal
(@Lobogal1)
Boney Kapoor’s estranged first wife, Mona Kapoor, died a month before the release of her son Arjun Kapoor’s first film. Today, #Sridevi died from massive cardiac arrest a month before the release of her daughter Jhanvi Kapoor’s first film. Such shocking fate!

Shekhar Kapur
(@shekharkapur)
SriDevi .. gone. It’s like an era is over. Like life turning a new chapter. A beautiful story just ended. An amazing spirit just vanished leaving us with amazing love and incredible grief.

RANBIR
(@_Mini_01)
You will be missed sridevi ji … strength to family and friends ? My heart still couldn’t belive…life is just so unpredictable #RIPSridevi

Awards and honors (Source Wikipedia)

• Civilian award
• 2013 – Padma Shri India’s fourth highest civilian award from the Government of India
• Filmfare Awards
• 2013 – Filmfare Special Award for Nagina and Mr. India
• 1992 – Filmfare Best Actress Award for Lamhe
• 1990 – Filmfare Best Actress Award for ChaalBaaz
• 1991 – Filmfare Best Actress Award (Telugu) for Kshana Kshanam
• 1982 – Filmfare Best Actress Award (Tamil) for Meendum Kokila
• 1977 – Filmfare Special Award – South for 16 Vayathinile
Filmfare Awards Nominations
•
• 1984 – Filmfare Best Actress Award for Sadma
• 1990 – Filmfare Best Actress Award for Chandni
• 1993 – Filmfare Best Actress Award for Khuda Gawah
• 1994 – Filmfare Best Actress Award for Gumrah
• 1995 – Filmfare Best Actress Award for Laadla
• 1998 – Filmfare Best Actress Award for Judaai
• 2013 – Filmfare Best Actress Award for English Vinglish
• 2018 – Filmfare Best Actress Award for Mom
• Zee Cine Awards
• 2018 – Zee Cine Best Actress Award for Mom
• Filmfare Glamour & Style Awards
• 2015 – Ultimate Diva award
• BIG Star Entertainment Awards
• 2012 – Most Entertaining Actor in a Social – Drama Film (Female) for English Vinglish
• Tamil Nadu State Film Awards
• 1981 – Tamil Nadu State Film Award for Best Actress for Moondram Pirai
• Stardust Awards
• 2013 – Stardust Award for Best Actress Drama for English Vinglish
• NDTV Indian of the Year
• 2013 – NDTV Entertainer of the Year
• India Today Woman Summit Awards
• 2013 – India Today Woman in Arts
• TSR-TV9 Awards
• 2013 – Empress of Indian Cinema
• STARVIEWS FILM AWARDS
• 2015 – Best Villain Female for PULI
• Special Honors
• 1990 – Smita Patil Memorial Award for Contribution to Indian Cinema
• 1997 – Kalasaraswathi Award by the Government of Andhra Pradesh
• 2003 – Lachchu Maharaj Award
• 2003 – Vamsee International Award for Contribution in Indian Cinema
• 2003 – MAMI Award in Contribution to Indian Cinema
• 2008 – FICCI “Living Legend in Entertainment Award”
• 2009 – Special Honour at 33rd Cairo International Film Festival for Contribution to Hindi Cinema
• 2012 – IRDS Film Award 2012 for performance as Shashi Godbole in English Vinglish
• 2013 – Honoured by Government of Kerala for contribution to Cinema
• 2013 – Voted ‘India’s Greatest Actress of All Time’ in CNN-IBN Poll
• 2013 – President of India ‘Medallion of Honour’ for contribution to 100 Years of Indian Cinema
• 2013 – Jagran film festival Best actress award for English Vinglish
• 2014 – ANR national award for 2013
• 2014 – Inspiring Icon award from Sathyabama University
• Annual Lists and Polls
• 2014 – Special Honour at 2nd Hiru Golden Film Festival for Contribution to Asian Cinema
• 2012 – Voted “Most-Admired Bollywood Actress” by Vuclip, world’s largest mobile research company.
• 2012 – Ranked No.1 as “Bollywood’s 10 Best Actresses Of 2012” by Rediff
• 2012 – Ranked No.1 in the Top 10 Bollywood Actresses Of 2012 by Box Office Capsule
• 2012 – Ranked No.1 in the Top 10 Bollywood Actresses Of 2012 by CNN IBN
• 2012 – Voted No.1 as the best Bollywood Actress of 2012 by Koimoi.com
• 2012 – Ranked No.1 in the Top 10 Bollywood Actresses of 2012 by Bollyspice.com
• 2012 – Voted No.1 as the most powerful woman in Bollywood town with more than 74% votes by Bollywoodlife.com
• Zee Cine Awards
• 2017 – Best Actor (Female) for Mom

(Keep tuned in for more updates)

 

President of India presents the National Tourism Awards

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The President of India, Shri Ram Nath Kovind, presented the National Tourism Awards today (September 27, 2017) at a function held in New Delhi.

Speaking on the occasion, the President said that tourism is one of the largest industries in the world. Its evolution can be estimated from the fact that the number of tourists all over the world has increased from 2.5 crore in 1950 to 123 crore in 2016. The tourism industry contributes 10.2 percent of the world’s GDP. It is estimated that every 10th person in the world works in the tourism industry.

The President said that in India too the livelihood of a very large number of people is linked to the tourism industry. In the year 2016, tourism’s contribution to GDP was 9.6 percent and 9.3 percent to total employment. The tourism industry can contribute significantly in generating permanent employment opportunities and eliminating poverty. According to an assessment, an investment of Rs. 10 lakh in tourism industry provides employment to about 90 people, while about 45 in agriculture, and about 13 people in manufacturing.

The President said that inclusive tourism development can strengthen inclusive economic development. Every citizen should strive to provide a good experience to tourists at his or her own level. In a tourism conscious society, the role of the government is only to provide direction and a facilitating environment.

The President said that ‘Adopt a Heritage Project’ which was launched today, with the efforts of the Tourism Ministry, Culture Ministry and Archaeological Survey of India, has great potential to make our rich and diverse heritage monuments, tourist-friendly. He expressed hope that this project will help in the maintenance of our heritage with a partnership of the public and private sectors.

National Sports Awards – 2017

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National Sports Awards are given every year to recognize and reward excellence in sports. Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award is given for the spectacular and most outstanding performance in the field of sports by a sportsperson over a period of four year, Arjuna Award is given for consistency outstanding performance for four years, Dronacharya Award for coaches for producing medal winners at prestigious International sports events, Dhyan Chand Award for life time contribution to sports development.

 

A large number of nominations were received for these awards this year, which were considered by the Selection Committees consisting of former Olympian, Arjuna Awardees, Dronacharya Awardees, Dhyan Chand Awardees, Sport Journalists/ Experts/ Commentators and sports administrators. Selection Committee for Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Award and Arjuna Awards was headed by Justice C.K. Thakkar (Former Judge Supreme Court of India, Chief Justice of High Court of Himachal and Bombay). Selection Committee for Dronacharya Awards and Dhyan Chand Awards was headed by Shri Pullela Gopichand.

 

Based on the recommendations of the Committee and after due scrutiny, the Government has decided to confer awards upon the following sportspersons/coaches/organisations :

 

(i)         Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna 2017

 

S. No. Name of the Awardee discipline
1. Shri Devendra Para Athlete
2. Shri Sardar Singh Hockey

 

(ii)        Dronacharya Awards 2017

 

S. No. Name of the Awardee Discipline
1. Late Dr. R. Gandhi Athletics
2. Mr. Heera Nand Kataria Kabaddi
3. Mr. G.S.S.V. Prasad Badminton (Lifetime)
4. Mr. Brij Bhushan Mohanty Boxing (Lifetime)
5. Mr. P.A. Raphel Hockey (Lifetime)
6. Mr. Sanjoy Chakraverthy Shooting (Lifetime)
7. Mr. Roshan Lal Wrestling (Lifetime)

 

 

 

(iii)       Arjuna Awards 2017

 

S. No. Name of the Awardees Discipline
1. Ms. V.J. Surekha Archery
2. Ms. Khushbir Kaur Athletics
3. Mr. Arokia Rajiv Athletics
4. Ms. Prasanthi Singh Basketball
5. Sub. LaishramDebendro Singh Boxing
6. Mr. CheteshwarPujara Cricket
7. Ms. Harmanpreet Kaur Cricket
8. Ms. OinamBembem Devi Football
9. Mr. S.S.P. Chawrasia Golf
10. Mr. S.V. Sunil Hockey
11. Mr. Jasvir Singh Kabaddi
12. Mr. P. N. Prakash Shooting
13. Mr. A. Amalraj Table Tennis
14. Mr. SakethMyneni Tennis
15. Mr. SatyawartKadian Wrestling
16. Mr. Mariyappan Para-Athlete
17. Mr. Varun Singh Bhati Para-Athlete

 

 

(iv)       Dhyan Chand Award

 

S. No. Name (S/Shri) Discipline
1 . Mr. Bhupender Singh Athletics
2. Mr. Syed Shahid Hakim Football
3. Ms. Sumarai Tete Hockey

 

 

The awardees will received their awards from the President of India at a specially organized function at the Rashtrapati Bhawan on August 29, 2017.

 

Apart from a medal and a citation, Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna Awardee will receive a cash prize of Rs. 7.5 lakh. Arjuna, Dronacharya and Dhyan Chand Awardees will received statuettes, certificates and cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh each.

Independence Day Police Medals Announced

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990 personnel have been awarded Police Medals on the occasion of the Independence Day this year. President’s Police Medal for Gallantry (PPMG) has been awarded to 01 personnel, Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG) to 190 personnel, President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PPMDS) to 93 personnel and Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PMMS) to 706 personnel.

State Wise/ Force Wise list of medal awardees to the Police personnel on the occasion of Independence Day – 2017.

Sl.

No.

 Name of States/

Organization

 President’s Police Medal for Gallantry

(PPMG)

 Police Medal for Gallantry

(PMG)

 President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service

(PPMDS)

 Police Medal for Meritorious Service

(PMMS)
1 Andhra Pradesh 52 03 12
2 Arunachal Pradesh   00 01
3 Assam   00 11
4 Bihar   03 11
5 Chhattisgarh 01 04 01 08
6 Delhi 01 02 24
7 Goa   01 02
8 Gujarat   01 17
9 Haryana 01 01 11
10 Himachal Pradesh   01 03
11 Jammu & Kashmir 25 02 17
12 Jharkhand 04 02 19
13 Karnataka   03 18
14 Kerala   02 20
15 Madhya Pradesh   03 17
16 Maharashtra 12 03 41
17 Manipur   02 13
18 Meghalaya 07 00 00
19 Mizoram   01 03
20 Nagaland   01 01
21 Odisha 17 01 08
22 Punjab   02 16
23 Rajasthan   02 18
24 Sikkim   00 02
25 Tamil Nadu   03 23
26 Telangana   02 11
27 Tripura   01 06
28 Uttar Pradesh   06 75
29 Uttarakhand   02 05
30 West Bengal   02 28
31 Andaman & Nicobar Islands   01 02
32 Chandigarh     00 01
33 Dadra & Nagar Haveli   00 01
34 Lakshadweep   00 02
35 Puducherry   00 04
CAPFS/Other Organisations
36 Assam Rifles   00 16
37 BSF 14 06 47
38 CISF   02 23
39 CRPF 53 06 62
40 ITBP   03 13
41 NSG   00 04
42 SSB   02 12
43 CBI   06 22
44 MHA(IB)   08 24
45 SPG   01 04
46 NCB   00 01
47 NHRC   00 01
48 NEPA   00 01
49 NIA   01 01
50 NDRF   00 06
51 SVPNPA   01 02
52 Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas   01 00
53 Ministry of Civil Aviation   00 02
54 Ministry of Railways (RPF)   02 14
  Total 01 190 93 706

Click here for the List of President’s Police Medal for Gallantry (PPMG) & Police Medal for Gallantry (PMG)

Click here for the List of President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service (PPMDS)

Click here for the List of Police Medal for Meritorious Service (PMMS)

Organization/State wise list of medal awardees and details are also available on MHA website www.mha.nic.in

India Pitches for Cashless, Digital Payments Campaign

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As the demonetisation laid bare the difficulties of rural India not matching the urban centres in banking and payment technology, the Indian government has decided to pitch for a campaign provide information, education and communication, holding camps for transiting to the digital mode of payment.

Among the series of measures undertaken include incentives to the district administration which will give a boost to cashless digital payment systems across the districts, talukas and panchayats.

NITI Aayog has prepared a blueprint of incentives for the campaign for the district authorities and administration which include include incentives for digital payments for day-to-day financial transactions like buying or selling of goods and services, transferring money etc.

NITI Aayog will provide logistic support for outreach activities at these three levels in the form of the seed money of Rs.5 lakh per district administration to enhance the seeding of Mobile and Aadhar numbers to the bank account, issue of Rupay cards wherever necessary, issue of PIN, downloading of app and finally achieving two successful transactions.

The top ten best performing districts will be awarded the Digital Payment Champions of India award.

The first 50 Panchayats which go cashless will be awarded Digital Payment Award of Honour

The five digital payment systems are –

1.Unified Payment Interface, UPI

2.USSD (*99#banking)

3.Adhar Enabled Systems

4.Wallets &

5.Rupay/Debit/Credit/Prepaid Cards

The Hindi/English version of the brochure is made available on the website- www.niti.gov.in/conetent/digital-payments and NITI Aayog has put up the entire sets of creative material – presentations/posters and FM radio spots/ films on its website – www.niti.gov.in/conetent/digital-payments.

In addition, Common Service Networks are being mobilized in going cashless and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has announced cash incentive of Rs.100 for every merchant enabled to transact digitally. Two resource persons have been provided in each district collectorate to co-ordinate the CSE in each district.

NITI Aayog has also solicited the feedback on the challenges being faced by them, the solutions thereof and the manner in which they can be supported.