Abhaya Bravery Awards 2025 honours courageous individuals and promotes a rape-free India movement
The Abhaya Bravery Award Ceremony 2025 was held on 7th March at the Alliance Française de Bangalore, celebrating acts of extraordinary courage and resilience. The event also marked the launch of a significant movement aimed at creating a safer, more equitable society — the Rape-Free India campaign by Team Abhaya.
Distinguished guests and dignitaries
The event was graced by several eminent personalities. Chief Guest Sowmya Reddy, a prominent social activist and politician, attended the ceremony alongside Guest of Honour Dr. Girish Mood. Other notable dignitaries present were Dr. Leela Mohan, Scientist Mr. Mukesh V, Advocate Rawley Mudappa, and Mr. Jayprakash. Their presence underscored the importance of recognising bravery while highlighting the collective need to support social reform initiatives.
Honouring the brave
The ceremony’s primary focus was to celebrate individuals who displayed exceptional courage in challenging circumstances. The awardees, each with a unique and inspiring story, were recognised for their contributions to society. The honoured individuals included:
- Madhavi Suribhatla
- Archana Seetharam
- Mrs Tejaswini M
- Dr. Anupama Venkatesh
- Mrs. Shalini Rajanala
- Mr. Greeshma Bernad
- Dr. Indra Gandhi Raman
- Ms. Suhasini
- Ms. Devi Bala
- Dr. Renuka Horakeri
- Hridayananda Baruah
- Anwesha Banerjee
- Ms. Shilpa N. Gali
- Ms. Debatri Ray
- Mr. Antony Sajeeth
- Bro. Sandyaraj Samuel
- Mrs. Lakshmi Sudha
- Tanya Raj
- Tapasi Dhar
Each of these individuals demonstrated remarkable strength in overcoming adversity, standing up for justice, or extending selfless service to others.
Special recognition: ‘Faces of Abhaya’
The prestigious ‘Faces of Abhaya’ recognition was awarded to Mrs. Brinda Adige and Ms. Prachi Kaushik for their relentless efforts toward social change, justice for women, and empowerment initiatives. Their unwavering commitment to these causes has left a significant impact on society.
Brinda Adige expressed her dedication to the cause, stating:
“I will continue to use my power to amplify the need for all to be aware that rape is a crime that must not be compromised by state agencies; I will assist the victim-survivors to make informed decisions.”
Prachi Kaushik shared her vision, saying:
“My mission is to empower women at the grassroots level, transforming their vulnerabilities into strengths. I aim to provide lasting solutions that foster women-led development in health and entrepreneurship. As a first-generation entrepreneur, I strive to inspire change while promoting sustainable growth in communities.”
Jury Awards
Three distinguished individuals received the Jury Awards in recognition of their exceptional contributions to societal betterment:
- Mr. Brijesh Gokhale
- Mr. Tony Joseph
- Ms. Cynthia Fernandes
Their remarkable dedication to justice, social work, and empowerment initiatives set a benchmark for community involvement.
Women empowerment initiative
The ceremony also showcased initiatives promoting women empowerment. Mrs. Vijayalakshmi K introduced her new product from the stage of the Abhaya Bravery Award, symbolising the role of women entrepreneurs in driving social change and economic growth.
A call for collective action
The event also marked the beginning of Team Abhaya’s Movement for a Rape-Free India. Organisers stressed that achieving this goal demands collective effort from individuals, communities, and institutions alike. The movement encourages people to take a stand against violence, promote gender equality, and create safer environments for all.
In her speech, Chief Guest Soumya Reddy lauded the initiative, urging citizens to remain vigilant and proactive in ensuring justice and security for women. The movement’s core message resonated throughout the evening: Empowering individuals and communities is the key to building a safer India.
Organisers and supporters
The success of the event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of Team Abhaya’s crew members:
- Debmalya Bhattacharyya
- Satarupa Mukherjee
- Ayan Pramanick
- Pritam Thakur
- Santosh Rao
- Ms. Yashika (the youngest team member who supported video creation)
- Payel Sengupta
The entire program’s narrative was seamlessly coordinated by Mr. Privil Rodrigues, ensuring the event’s smooth flow and impactful presentation.
Grateful acknowledgements
The organisers extended their heartfelt thanks to the event’s sponsors, including the Bengaluru Sports Lovers Association, Heart of Giving, Rotary Club, and numerous individual donors. Their unwavering support made the event a resounding success.
Conclusion
The Abhaya Bravery Award Ceremony 2025 not only celebrated courageous individuals but also laid the groundwork for a significant social movement. As Team Abhaya continues to champion the cause of a rape-free India, the ceremony served as a powerful reminder that bravery, resilience, and collective action are key to building a safer, more compassionate society. NewsKarnataka.com was the Official Media Partner of the Abhaya Bravery Awards 2025.
Photo Credit: Mr. Santosh Rao