Swami Agnivesh Memorial Award
Swami Agnivesh was one of few Hindu religious leaders to speak out against Hindu nationalism and caste in recent years. He was inspired by the Hindu teaching of vasudhaiva kutumbakam: “the world is one family.” This teaching inspired him to fight for the rights of communities who were not necessarily his own: bonded laborers, religious minorities, Adivasis, and caste-oppressed communities.
In 1981 he founded the Bonded Labour Liberation Front. In the midst of the anti-Sikh pogroms of 1984, Swami Agnivesh directly confronted Hindu mobs in Delhi, sheltered Sikh community members, and called for an end to the violence. He was physically attacked by Hindu extremist mobs on many occasions, including in 2011 and 2018. Even outside India, he received threats from these groups, such as at the 2018 Parliament of World’s Religions in Toronto, Canada, where he was a keynote speaker.
Swami Agnivesh was close to many of us in Hindus for Human Rights; some of us stood with him at the Toronto Parliament and Hindus for Human Rights’ first retreat was held at his ashram. Sadly Swamiji passed away in 2020. In recognition of his fearless commitment to human rights for all, the Swami Agnivesh Memorial Award recognizes one individual and one organization whose faith inspires them to fight for justice for all.
2025 Award Recipients
Ajay Kumar (posthumous)
Founder, RIGHTS; Director, Equitives Foundation; Global Convenor, Alliance of Climate Front-line Communities
Ajay Kumar, who passed away in August 2025, was not just a movement leader—he was a comrade, teacher, and fierce ally in the fight for justice. Founder of RIGHTS and Director of the Equitives Foundation, as well as Global Convenor of the Alliance of Climate Front-line Communities, he spent his life organizing alongside those most affected by injustice: Dalit and Adivasi communities, women workers, children pushed out of school, and climate frontline communities.
A veteran of the Narmada Bachao Andolan, Ajay grounded his politics in environmental justice and grassroots resistance. In Kerala, he founded RIGHTS, a women-led organization that combined education justice, disaster response, and economic self-reliance—supporting Dalit women’s bamboo-based enterprises and centering women’s leadership at every level.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ajay launched the Bhim Online Classroom, an innovative network of digital learning centers that brought quality education and connectivity to marginalized villages and directly confronted the digital divide. Later, through the Equitives Foundation, he turned to budget justice, helping communities analyze public spending and demand equitable allocations. As Global Convenor of the Alliance of Climate Front-line Communities, he connected local struggles to international climate forums, insisting that those most impacted must shape climate policy.
For Hindus for Human Rights, Ajay was a cherished collaborator whose principled leadership, grassroots imagination, and transformative solidarity will continue to guide our work, even as we mourn his loss.
Anuradha Mittal
Executive Director, Oakland Institute
Internationally recognized for her leadership on human rights, development, land justice, and environmental policy, Anuradha Mittal has transformed the Oakland Institute into one of the most trusted watchdogs on land grabs and exploitative investment practices across the Global South.
Mittal’s commitment to justice extends far beyond research. As chair of Ben & Jerry’s independent board, she led the company’s landmark 2021 decision to end sales in Israeli-occupied territories—one of the most visible examples of a major global brand refusing to profit from occupation. She defended the move with clarity and conviction, arguing that corporate power must be aligned with human rights rather than used to obscure or enable abuses. Her stance galvanized international support from activists and human-rights advocates, and helped reframe global conversations about corporate responsibility in contexts of war and apartheid.
Her advocacy is equally rooted in public action. This year, Mittal was arrested at the Bay Area office of Senator Alex Padilla, joining hundreds in a nonviolent protest demanding an end to the genocide in Gaza. Standing alongside community members, students, and clergy, she demonstrated the same integrity that has defined her work in policy and corporate governance: the belief that solidarity must be lived, not merely spoken.
Her research, testimony before the U.S. Congress and the United Nations, and wide-ranging exposés have shifted global debates and strengthened grassroots movements for justice. In keeping with the consequences often faced by outspoken advocates, Mittal’s principled leadership at Ben & Jerry’s ultimately led Unilever’s ice cream division to remove her from the board—underscoring the very pressures she has long challenged in her fight to protect the independence of social-mission-driven institutions.
“Each of these honorees shows how moral courage can reshape our world. Whether through research, advocacy, storytelling, or community protection, they challenge the violence of nationalism and casteism—and model the inclusive, justice-centered future that Swami Agnivesh envisioned.”
Ani Zonneveld
Founder and President, Muslims for Progressive Values
A writer, singer-songwriter, activist, and leading global voice for inclusive, rights-affirming Islam, Ani Zonneveld has dedicated her life to championing gender justice, LGBTQ+ inclusion, freedom of conscience, and freedom of expression. As founder and president of Muslims for Progressive Values, she has expanded MPV into a global network, brought advocacy to the United Nations, and developed groundbreaking curricula and media on progressive Islamic ethics.
A Grammy-certified artist, Ani uses music, storytelling, and art to counter extremism and cultivate peace. Her cross-continental upbringing—from Malaysia to Germany, Egypt, and India—shaped the global perspective she brings to interfaith solidarity and human rights.
“Swami Agnivesh taught us—through his life, and often at great personal risk—what it means to stand up for those whom society seeks to erase. This year’s honorees embody that fearless love. In their fight for justice, dignity, and human rights, they remind us that faith is never an excuse for bigotry but a call to defend the vulnerable.”
United Kingdom–Indian Muslim Council (UK-IMC)
Organizational Award Recipient
Founded in 2022, the UK-IMC is a pioneering advocacy organization representing the concerns, contributions, and human rights of British Muslims of Indian heritage—both in the UK and in India.
In a time of rising Islamophobia, caste-based discrimination, and transnational nationalist extremism, UK-IMC works with government bodies, civil society, and interfaith partners to protect freedom of expression, freedom of religion or belief, and the rights of socio-economically vulnerable communities. Their mission upholds social cohesion, challenges imported hate, and ensures that British Indian Muslims have the tools and support necessary to participate fully in public life.
UK-Indian Muslim Council has been a crucial voice for justice, peace, and intercommunal harmony in Leicester as well as the UK more broadly. Leicester, for the last few decades known widely as an example of strong multicultural relations, has sadly been a flashpoint in Hindutva intimidation and has seen a breakdown in that decades-old record. While there are still countless bonds that tie Muslims and Hindus together, dynamics have changed and distrust has risen.
UK-IMC has been a clear leader in the effort to understand ongoing tensions and repair interfaith relations. From several detailed reports through informative events to advocacy efforts on the streets and with key local stakeholders, Indian Muslim Council has made every effort to improve the lives of Leiceter’s communities and we at Hindus for Human Rights UK are so proud to have a close relationship or solidarity and action with this group.
2024 Award Recipients
Deepa Iyer
A South Asian American writer, strategist, and lawyer, Deepa Iyer has spent two decades supporting social movements, particularly in Asian American, South Asian, Muslim, and Arab communities. As the Director of Strategic Initiatives at the Building Movement Project, she leads efforts to advance solidarity and social justice through training, workshops, and her acclaimed podcast Solidarity Is This. Deepa is the author of We Too Sing America (2015), which chronicles post-9/11 community-based histories, and Social Change Now (2022), a guide for building solidarity movements. Her newest children’s book, We Are The Builders!, celebrates inclusivity and resilience. We constantly draw inspiration from Deepa’s work to build community across divides.
The Sikh Coalition
Founded in response to post-9/11 hate crimes, the Sikh Coalition is the largest Sikh civil rights organization in the United States, advocating for religious freedom, legal protections, and anti-discrimination policies. We have had the honor of working with Sikh Coalition to advocate for Hindu-Sikh harmony, especially amid a rise in temple vandalisms and increased transnational repression by the Indian government against the Sikh community. Representing the Sikh Coalition at the event will be Harman Singh, the organization’s Legal Director, who has played a key role in advancing Sikh civil rights in courts and legislatures.
Zara Chowdhary
A celebrated writer, producer, and educator from Chennai, India, now based in Madison, Wisconsin, Zara Choudhary holds an MFA in Creative Writing and Environment from Iowa State University and an MA in Writing for Performance from the University of Leeds. Her acclaimed memoir, The Lucky Ones, offers a deeply personal and poetic exploration of a multigenerational Muslim family navigating the aftermath of India's partition and modern-day pogroms. Through her powerful storytelling, Zara examines forgotten histories, resilience, and the rebellion of women who claim their place in the world on their terms. We hosted Zara for multiple readings of her breathtaking memoir earlier this year. Her work exemplifies the intersection of art and activism, echoing Swami Agnivesh’s legacy.
Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF)
The nation’s oldest Sikh civil rights organization, SALDEF empowers Sikh Americans through advocacy, education, and outreach programs. Their mission to uphold justice and religious freedom aligns deeply with the values of Swami Agnivesh. We worked closely with SALDEF to share how different faith communities have faced transnational repression by the Indian government. Kiran Kaur Gill, Executive Director of SALDEF, will represent the organization at the event.
2023 Award Recipients
JVP’s Beth Miller with their 2023 SAMA
Aakashi Bhatt
A dedicated advocate for her unjustly imprisoned father, Sanjiv Bhatt, a former Indian Police Service officer admired for his integrity and bravery, she balances her career as a surgeon and researcher in the UK with her commitment to justice. Her unceasing efforts, impactful speeches and a strong social media presence, highlight the political persecution faced by her father, garnering international awareness. She champions not only her father's cause but also the broader fight against oppression, making their struggle a symbol of resilience against injustice.
Jewish Voice for Peace
Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) is more than just an organization that promotes human rights and works to end oppression through interfaith and intercultural initiatives; it has been an invaluable partner and ally to Hindus for Human Rights. JVP's brave stance in calling for a ceasefire in Gaza amid escalating violence mirrors our shared commitment to peace and justice. They have stood shoulder to shoulder with us, amplifying our voices and strengthening our collective impact. Through joint advocacy efforts, we have been able to shed light on pressing issues, demand accountability from those in power, and effect meaningful change.
Yusuf (top) and Imran Dawood
Florence Nianghoihlun Lowe from the North American Manipur Tribal Association (NAMTA)
Yusuf and Imran Dawood
Imran and Yusuf Dawood's relentless 20-year fight for justice, highlighted in a BBC documentary, began after the young Imran survived a family tragedy during the 2002 Gujarat riots. They bravely challenged the targeted violence against Muslims and governmental misinformation. Their journey, more than a personal battle for truth, has inspired global conversations about political accountability and reignited memories of the riots, emphasizing the need for justice and challenging political motives.
North American Manipur Tribal Association (NAMTA)
The North American Manipur Tribal Association (NAMTA) has been a vocal advocate for tribal rights and peace among communities. NAMTA has worked tirelessly to draw attention to the crisis in Manipur, where human rights violations against the Kuki-Zo people are rampant. Their efforts in education, cultural preservation, and advocacy have been crucial in fostering understanding and cooperation among diverse groups. Their tireless advocacy goes beyond just raising awareness and has been pivotal in bringing about change and elevating the discourse on tribal rights at an international level.
2022 Award Recipients
Mirza Ghalib Victor Begg, is an interfaith peace activist, devout Muslim, and champion of Hindus for Human Rights. We would also like to recognize and honor Victor’s recently departed wife Lata or Shahina Begg, also a tireless bridge-builder for interfaith harmony. Our prayerful condolences to Victor and his whole family.
Victor has founded a number of organizations focused on serving and representing the voice of Muslims in Michigan and promoting interfaith dialogue, including the Council of Islamic Organizations of Michigan (CIOM) and the Muslim Unity Center mosque in Bloomfield Hills.
In the 2000s, Victor bhai led several interfaith efforts to unite religious leaders. In 2007, Victor bhai organized Sunni and Shi’ite leaders in Michigan to sign a peace pact affirming their commitment to speak out against conflicts between the two sects. Then in 2009, Victor bhai collaborated with Jewish community volunteers in metro-Detroit called “Mitzvah Day,” where non-profit Islamic and Jewish groups collaborated to feed and clothe local residents on and around Christmas.
In 2019, Victor bhai published his moving memoir, Our Muslim Neighbors: Achieving the American Dream, an Immigrant’s Memoir, which details his own faith and interfaith journey, including his beautiful interfaith relationship with Shahina.
Victor Begg
2021 Award Recipients
Ajit Sahi is an Indian American civil rights activist currently serving as Advocacy Director with Indian American Muslim Council. Ajit has been a dedicated campaigner for civil liberties, human rights and religious freedom in India for over a decade. He has testified before the Tom Lantos Human Rights Commission and spoken boldly about human rights violations in India. Previously, Ajit was a journalist working with leading Indian publications and television news stations. He served as Executive Editor of the investigative Tehelka news magazine, and in 2011, he traveled to Egypt as a reporter and covered the Arab Spring from Cairo.
You can follow his work at @ajitsahi on Twitter.
Ajit Sahi
Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan – a freedom fighter and close friend of Mahatma Gandhi, known also as Badshah Khan, or Sarhadee or Frontier Gandhi – founded Khudai Khidmatgar (Servants of Humanity) in 1929. His contributions to India’s Freedom Struggle and propagation of the values of non-violence and egalitarianism are immense.
Khudai Khidmatgar was revived by activist Faisal Khan with his team in New Delhi in 2011. For the past decade, Khudai Khidmatgars have been working across the length and breadth of India on many salient issues including communal harmony, youth leadership, women’s empowerment and education access.
Khudai Kidmatgar worked relentlessly on covid relief work in several districts across India, serving the poorest communities with ration kits, food, medicine, and oxygen. This year, they opened the Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan library in Mewat Haryana. Just last month, Khudai Kidmatgar organized an 11-day 'Save Our Constitution' cycle yatra from Nagapatnam to Chennai. These are just a few of the innumerable communal harmony initiatives undertaken by Khudai Kitmatgar’s local teams across India. When we met Faisal Bhai, Inamul Bhai, and other Khudai Kidmatgars in India in 2019, when Hindus for Human Rights was just a few months old, Faisal Bhai immediately agreed to join our advisory board. Swami Agnivesh, was a big supporter of Khudai Kidmatgar and this award would really please him.
Khudai Kidmitgar
Founded in 2005, Dhanak of Humanity is a nonprofit organization in India made up of interfaith couples, inter-caste couples, and individuals who believe in human rights and freedom of choice. Dhanak fights for an individual’s right to choose in matters of marriage or relationships, against religious conversion for the sake of marriage, against honor-based crimes, and against forced marriages in India. Dhanak provides support and conducts advocacy for interfaith and inter-caste couples, LGBTQIA couples, and individuals who choose to assert their autonomy. Over the years, Dhanak has touched the lives of over 5000 people.
You can follow their work at @Dhanak_Humanity on Twitter.
Dhanak for Humanity