The Ambedkar Association of North America (AANA) proudly 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.
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 symbolic “Run for Equality.”
Award Recipients – 2025
Savitrimai Phule International Award
Recipient: Shahira Shital Sathe
A celebrated folk artist, poet, and Bahujan rights activist from Pune, Maharashtra, Shahira Shital Sathe was honored for her pioneering efforts in blending traditional musical forms with bold, socially conscious messages. As the co-founder and lead performer of NavayanMahajalsa, she has used her artistic platform to amplify voices from marginalized communities and raise awareness on caste discrimination and gender justice.
Although unable to attend in person, Shital Sathe ji shared a heartfelt video message, in which she expressed her deep gratitude to AANA and dedicated the award to Savitrimai Phule, saying, “I feel proud and happy to accept this award in the name of Savitrimai Phule. I thank AANA for recognizing and supporting my work in promoting the teachings of Phule and Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar.”
Mrs. Sujata Wahane accepted the award on her behalf.
“Mooknayak” Excellence in Journalism Award
Recipient: Awaaz India TV
This year’s Mooknayak Excellence in Journalism Award was conferred to Awaaz India TV, a leading Hindi-language digital and cable news platform with over 2.5 million subscribers. Since its inception, Awaaz India TV has played a vital role in advocating for social justice, amplifying marginalized voices, and promoting Buddhist values through powerful storytelling and in-depth reporting. 
Vijay Bagade and Vishwanath Meshram accepted the award on behalf of the Awaaz India team. In a brief acceptance message, the team shared, “After 12 years of relentless work, we are honored to receive this recognition. Awaaz India remains committed to 0upholding the values of equality, humanity, and nationality while deepening our relationship with our viewers by sharing stories rooted in history, Buddhist philosophy, and regional realities.”
Dr. B. R. Ambedkar International Award
Recipient: Dr. Vivek Kumar
Renowned sociologist and author, Dr. Vivek Kumar was recognized for his pathbreaking contributions to caste studies, Indian diaspora scholarship, and Ambedkarite social thought. A professor at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, Dr. Kumar is the author of Caste and Democracy in India (2014) and has served in esteemed academic positions, including as Visiting Professor at Columbia University and Humboldt University.
Dr. Kumar has also delivered the prestigious Ambedkar Memorial Lectures at several institutions across Canada, continuing to promote social reform, equality, and intellectual inquiry inspired by Dr. Ambedkar.
Dr Kumar was able to attend the event, and he dedicated this award to his mother.
During the ceremony, Dr. Kumar addressed the audience and guided them with his valuable insights on contemporary caste dynamics, social movements, and the enduring relevance of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s philosophy in modern society. His thought-provoking reflections deeply resonated with attendees and provided a powerful intellectual anchor for the retreat.
दलित दस्तक (Dalit Dastak) साल 2012 से लगातार दलित-आदिवासी (Marginalized) समाज की आवाज उठा रहा है। मासिक पत्रिका के तौर पर शुरू हुआ दलित दस्तक आज वेबसाइट, यू-ट्यूब और प्रकाशन संस्थान (दास पब्लिकेशन) के तौर पर काम कर रहा है। इसके संपादक अशोक कुमार (अशोक दास) 2006 से पत्रकारिता में हैं और तमाम मीडिया संस्थानों में काम कर चुके हैं। Bahujanbooks.com नाम से हमारी वेबसाइट भी है, जहां से बहुजन साहित्य को ऑनलाइन बुक किया जा सकता है। दलित-बहुजन समाज की खबरों के लिए दलित दस्तक को सोशल मीडिया पर लाइक और फॉलो करिए। हम तक खबर पहुंचाने के लिए हमें dalitdastak@gmail.com पर ई-मेल करें या 9013942612 पर व्हाट्सएप करें।