Jasmine Fiddler, a recipient of the Amos Owen Award, is recognized for her work in empowering youth and preserving Dakota language and culture. Fiddler has been involved in the Honoring Dakota Project, teaching the youth about their heritage and fostering a sense of community. She believes in instilling values of compassion and empathy in the youth and hopes to continue the education even after the completion of the project. Fiddler acknowledges the support of her family and community in receiving the award and dedicates it to those who came before her. She also highlights the power of social media, particularly TikTok, in empowering the youth and spreading awareness about their heritage.
Dr. Thejo Kumari Amudala, from Hyderabad, Telangana, India, has been honored with the prestigious Swadesh Samman by Hope International World Records for her outstanding contributions to various spheres of society. Her pioneering work spans international entrepreneurship, women's employment, literacy, pageantry, sports, global peace, human rights, tobacco and AIDS control, and animal welfare. She has also spearheaded initiatives to distribute food and clothing to vulnerable communities during the COVID-19 pandemic and has worked to eradicate illiteracy, rescue children from child labor, and promote health and sanitation awareness. The recognition is a testament to her dedication and selfless service. Hope International World Records celebrates not only her achievements but also the spirit of resilience, empathy, and determination that define her.
Phoenix-born human rights and welfare activist, Sham Maharaj, was honored by the South African Human Rights Commission for his sterling work around promoting human rights. Maharaj commenced his community activism work in 1978 and continued with his voluntary work even after his retirement, three years ago. In recent years, he has set up the Ubuntu Foundation in finding common ground with residents from different suburbs. Maharaj used the unrest of July 2021 as a tool to bring people closer together in unity for one goal - a rainbow nation. He assisted in conducting peace marches, dialogue among communities and government, as well as helping the less fortunate and underprivileged. Maharaj still has ambitions of becoming a beacon of hope for the voiceless and helpless, by putting in his effort with the future generations of the country. The Phoenix Children’s Home is one of the projects close to his heart and he continues to show support wherever he can. In a citation of honor, presented to Maharaj, the chairperson of the Human Rights Commission, Chris Nissen, recognized and appreciated the transformative work Maharaj has been doing to develop and advance South African communities, by providing justice, dignity, and freedom in line with the spirit, purport, and objects of the Constitution. [dbc9aa11] [d9ba999e]