15 Public Spirited Changemakers Honoured

The Free Press Journal’s special initiative Angels of Mumbai Season 2024 that celebrates changemakers awarded 15 people doing exceptional public spirited work. On Thursday, at an electrifying event that was conducted at Worli’s Jade Luxury Banquets, saw around 150 people cheering for the winners.

The mega event saw Mangal Prabhat Lodha, Minister for Skill Development, Employment, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, Government of Maharashtra and  Mumbai municipal commissioner Bhushan Gagrani as the chief guests. The event started on a high note with a fun and engaging performance by Dharavi Rocks. 

The awardees received trophies, plaques and cash awards at this special ceremony to honour their selfless contributions to society.

The winners were selected by a distinguished jury, embodying the spirit of giving and resilience that are hallmarks of Mumbai.

The causes they work for range from child sexual abuse to human tracking, stray dogs to urban conservation, education and empowerment for specially abled children to enabling the visually impaired.    

Speaking at the event, chief guest Mangal Prabhat Lodha highlighted the ripple effect of selfless service. “In Mumbai’s fast-paced life, many people reach the end of their journey only to realise that true satisfaction comes from giving to others. Some exceptional individuals dedicate their best years to serving society. When the wider community is introduced to such people, one angel inspires countless others; and from a single event, 50 public-spirited events burst forth, ” he said. 

Jury chairperson Justice S J Kathawalla also emphasised the transformative power of generosity: “The true measure of success is determined not by how much a person can take from life but by how much they can give back. It is easy to take—it needs no special skill…” he said.

Besides Justice Kathawalla, the jury that selected the award-winning Angels of Mumbai comprised Neera Nundy, partner and co-founder at Dasra; Ziaa Lalkaka, CEO at H T Parekh Foundation; Amitabh Jaipuria, CEO at Accelerate Indian Philanthropy; Anjali Raina, executive director of the Harvard Business School India Research Center; and Darshana Shah, Head, Marketing and Customer Experience at Aditya Birla Capital. 

Minister Lodha mentioned that the stature of the jury added credibility and rigour to the selection process. He expressed hope that the Angels of Mumbai would evolve into a larger movement, inspiring more individuals to dedicate their time and resources to meaningful causes. 

“I am happy to note that The Free Press Journal has instituted the Angels of Mumbai Awards to recognise good work being done by individuals and NGOs to improve the lives of the less privileged. I deem it an honour to be associated with the fifth edition of the Awards. My best wishes to The Free Press Journal Group,” shared Bhushan Gagrani Municipal commissioner, Greater Mumbai.

The 10 winning angels were Triveni Acharya, President and CEO, Rescue Foundation; Dr Ketna Mehta, founder-trustee, Nina Foundation; Atul Kumar, founder-trustee, Art Deco Mumbai; Dr Sarika Kulkarni, co-founder and chief executive officer, Raah Foundation; Monisha Narke, founder and CEO, RUR Greenlife; Mansi Shah, founder, Happy Feet Home; Parimala Bhat, founder and chairperson, Snehankit Helpline; Archana Chandra, CEO, Jai Vakeel Foundation; Nisreen Ebrahim, CEO, Rangoonwala Foundation (India) Trust; and Eldred Tellis, founder and executive director, Sankalp Rehabilitation Trust. Five special mentions of the season include Aabid Surti, founder, Drop Dead Foundation; Sonalee Shyamsunder, founder-director, Urmi Foundation; Abodh Aras, CEO, The Welfare of Stray Dogs; Dr Sushama Nagarkar, Managing Trustee and Founder, Yash Charitable Trust; and Ishita Manek, co-founder and director, Rubaroo Breaking Silences Foundation. 

“I am grateful to The Free Press Journal for this recognition and this prestigious award will help me continue my work with great force to serve the community. Now that I have been awarded as an angel, I feel like my duty and responsibility has increased towards society,” shared Parimala Bhat, awardee.         

Justice Kathawalla was so moved by the work that the winning angels have been doing that he picked four NGOs and gave them each a huge cash reward. Triveni Acharya, Mansi Shah, Eldred Tellis and Parimala Bhat received this special honour. 

Awardee Archana Chandra of Jai Vakeel Foundation who helps children with intellectual disabilities live a dignified and inclusive life, shared, “It is an absolute honour and privileged to be at the event an receiving the award as it is helping us shine the spotlight on a sector that is so underserved.”

The event also saw supporters of these winning angels, who cheered while winners were awarded. Dr JV Yakhmi, scientist, educationist and writer who had endorsed winning angel Dr Ketna Mehta, attended the event to show support. “I have been a loyal reader of The Free Press Journal since 1996 and I admire this special event as it highlights amazing causes. I look forward to each Monday for the angel feature,” he says.   

 “The true measure of success is determined not by how much a person can take from life but by how much they can give back. It is easy to take—it needs no special skill.” Justice S J Kathawalla