March 1, 2008
Re: Navya Shastra Annual Award for Recognition
Dear Friend,
Navya Shastra, the international reform Hindu organization, is seeking nominations for its Annual Award of Recognition. The organization’s mission is to challenge entrenched caste- and gender-based discrimination, and to promote progressive values consonant with a spiritual outlook.
Eligible candidates for the award are students between the ages of 14 and 21 who have organized a novel initiative or taken a courageous stand against caste- or gender-based discrimination in their local communities.
In 2007, two young women from Bantwal College in Karnataka were awarded the Navya Shastra Award for Recognition for speaking out and taking action against dowry and untouchability (see: PressRelease27) Navya Shastra is currently seeking nominations for the 2008 Award for Recognition from non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local school teachers and principals. Believing that all change begins locally, and that the youth are the torchbearers of both values and culture, the organization seeks to identify and recognize students who will eventually become change-agents for the greater good of society. Teachers and NGO workers with grassroots presences in youth communities are our partners in this endeavor. The Award comes with a cash prize of Rs. 5000, a plaque, and media recognition, both in India and abroad.
The student nominee and the nominating NGO must complete the application form for Navya Shastra Award for Recognition, and provide a brief description of the student’s background as well as details regarding the action taken by the student. Application forms are available at AwardApplication_2008 or may be obtained by emailing navyashastra@shastras.org
Decisions on the awards will be made by the Navya Shastra Award Committee on the basis of the novelty or courage of the student’s actions. The Awards will be presented on Independence Day – August 15, 2008 – to each of the awardees chosen by the Navya Shastra. All decisions made by the Navya Shastra Award Committee are final and non-negotiable. All applications must be received by June 30, 2008 to be considered for the award. Eligible candidates must be Indian nationals residing in India.
For further information or inquiry, please contact: navyashastra@shastras.org
The Navya Shastra Award Committee.