Abhaya Bravery Awards Honor Unsung Heroes Fighting for Justice

Towards a Safer Tomorrow: Abhaya Bravery Awardees Inspire Change

Payel Sengunpta Led Abhaya Bravery Awards Honor Unsung Heroes Fighting for Justice

Bengaluru, March 7, 2025 – In a remarkable celebration of courage and resilience, Team Abhaya honored individuals dedicated to the fight against injustice, particularly crimes against women and girls. The Abhaya Bravery Awards were presented on the eve of International Women’s Day at Alliance Française de Bangalore, recognizing those who have tirelessly worked to uplift survivors of abuse and violence.

Launched just seven months ago, Team Abhaya has rapidly gained recognition for its unwavering commitment to justice and social reform. Over the past few months, the core team connected with changemakers who have silently devoted themselves to empowering the vulnerable. Their stories of struggle and determination inspired the inception of the Abhaya Bravery Awards.

The event was attended by Soumya Reddy, along with distinguished guests Dr. Girish Mood, Dr. Leela Mohan, Mukesh V, Advocate Rawley Muddappa, and Jayprakash. They collectively pledged their support in the movement toward a safer, more equitable society, reaffirming the vision of a ‘rape-free’ India.

“Change begins with awareness and action,” said Mukesh V. “Each of these awardees represents the power of resilience and the unyielding spirit to fight against injustice.”

Recognizing Courage and Commitment

The Abhaya Bravery Awards were conferred upon individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary strength in addressing social injustices. The recipients were selected through a rigorous process to ensure their efforts and contributions were duly recognized.

Faces of Abhaya: Mrs. Brinda Adige and Ms. Prachi Kaushik
Jury Awards: Ms. Cynthia Fernandes, Mr. Brijesh Gokhale, and Mr. Tony Joseph
Awardees: Madhavi Suribhatla, Archana Seetharam, Dr. Anupama Venkatesh, Mrs. Shalini Rajanala, Ms. Greeshma Bernard, Dr. Indra Gandhi Raman, Ms. Suhasini, Ms. Devi Bala, Dr. Renuka Horakeri, Mr. Hridayananda Baruah, Ms. Anwesha Banerjee, Ms. Shilpa N. Gali, Ms. Debatri Ray, Mr. Antony Sajeeth, Bro. Sandyaraj Samuel, Ms. Lakshmi Sudha, Ms. Tanya Raj, and Ms. Tapasi Dhar.

Hosting the evening with energy and enthusiasm, Mr. Privil Rodrigues kept the audience engaged, ensuring that the stories of these inspiring individuals were shared far and wide.

Support and Gratitude

The event was made possible through the generous support of Our Parampara (Title Sponsor), Bangalore Sports Lovers Association (BSLA), Heart of Giving (Venue Sponsor), Rotary Club Bangalore, and numerous individual donors.

“When a community comes together to support a cause, real change happens,” said a representative from Rotary Club Bangalore. “We are proud to be part of this mission that is shaping a safer future.”

The evening also saw heartfelt acknowledgments to the dedicated organizers and volunteers who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make the event a success.

A Collective Call to Action

As the event concluded, the message was clear – the fight for justice and equality must continue. “Let’s work towards a world where no individual has to live in fear, where dignity and self-respect are fundamental rights for all,” said an Abhaya team member.

The Abhaya Bravery Awards stand as a testament to the power of individuals who refuse to accept injustice and inspire others to take action. As these stories of courage spread, they serve as a reminder that change is possible when people come together to challenge oppression and build a future founded on safety, respect, and humanity.

Statements & Quotes:

“True bravery is not the absence of fear, but the will to overcome it.” – Team Abhaya
“These awardees remind us that change begins with one courageous step.” – Soumya Reddy
“We must stand together to build a society where safety is a right, not a privilege.” – Dr. Girish Mood
“Their resilience is a beacon of hope in the fight against gender-based violence.” – Prof. Mukesh V
“The best way to honor these heroes is to continue their fight for justice.” – Advocate Rawley Muddappa
“The world changes when ordinary people do extraordinary things.” – Abhaya Bravery Award Jury

Who’s Who at the Event:

Chief Guest: Soumya Reddy
Guests of Honor: Dr. Girish Mood, Dr. Leela Mohan, Prof. Mukesh V, Adv. Rawley Muddappa, Mr. Jayprakash
Event Host: Privil Rodrigues
Organizers: Team Abhaya
Sponsors: Our Parampara (Title Sponsor), Bangalore Sports Lovers Association (BSLA), Heart of Giving (Venue Sponsor), Rotary Club Bangalore
The Trailblazer: