New Delhi: Kamla Bhasin Awards 2024 for Driving Gender Equality Across South Asia have been awarded to Lalitha Ranjani of Sri Lanka and Sunil Mohan of India. Additionally, the Special Jury Awards have been conferred upon Jaya Chakma from Bangladesh and Nikhil Taneja from India. The awards were presented on Saturday in recognition of the exemplary work carried out by these individuals to challenge patriarchy, promote gender justice, and inspire meaningful societal change. It is named after Kamla Bhasin, feminist icon, poet, author, educationist and a pioneer of the women’s rights movement in South Asia.
The awards are given under two categories, which include a citation in the form of a trophy and a cheque of INR 100,000 each, and have been jointly given by Azad Foundation, iPartner India and National Foundation for India since 2022. The Special Jury Award consists of a citation in the form of a trophy. The award ceremony was followed by singing of the Padma Bhushan Usha Uthup.
Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga, former President of Sri Lanka, was guest of the honour for the award ceremony. In her video message, Madam Kumaratunga said: “Kamla always said that without peace in South Asia, there could be no progress. She believed that walls, when turned sideways, become bridges.” She also reflected on Kamla’s global impact, stating, “Kamla was a truly global citizen, and her message resonated far beyond our region.” Kumaratunga emphasised, “Kamla’s message is more relevant today than ever. The awards presented today will inspire not only women, but also men and trans individuals, as they continue their fight against male domination and work towards building a world where gender equality is honoured.”
The awardees were selected by a six-member jury chaired by diplomat and human rights advocate Radhika Coomaraswamy (Sri Lanka), after a rigorous process. Other jury members included Anu Aga (India), Khushi Kabir (Bangladesh), Binda Pandey (Nepal), Munizae Jahangir (Pakistan) and Namita Bhandare (India).
“The aim of this award is to honour the life and works of Kamla Bhasin—a life dedicated to selfless service, always prioritising the oppressed and marginalised groups in society,” Coomaraswamy said. “Kamla was a beacon of light for women across South Asia, and her legacy continues to inspire us all.”
“To the awardees, I want them to know: South Asia stands with them in their ongoing struggle,” she said.
Binda Pandey, jury member from Nepal, recalled her deep personal association with Kamla. “She is the icon, strength, & inspiration of the feminist movement in South Asia. Whenever we face any struggle or obstacle in our life, we feel Kamla’s presence within us in the form of her strength.” Pandey, a former member of the Federal Parliament and member of the first Constituent Assembly, said. “Kamla will always be in our memories, our activities as a strength fight for gender inequality and the discriminatory society.”
Award ceremony next year will take place in Nepal, and it will be hosted by Tewa, Kathmandu.
Kamla Bhasin (24 April 1946-25 September 2021) was feminist icon, poet, author, educationist and a pioneer of the women’s rights movement in South Asia. An integral part of the global One Billion Rising movement, she was one of the coordinators for the ‘1000 women for the Nobel Peace Prize’ initiative in 2005.
The awards intend to honour and celebrate Kamla’s lifetime of achievements. It is also meant to encourage the efforts being taken by women, men and trans persons to fight patriarchy and work towards a gender-just society where women can acquire livelihoods with dignity and gain control over their lives and bodies. This is something Kamla worked tirelessly for, apart from her other passions and commitments. The awards encompass South Asia and include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.
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