A Vision to Turn a Motto into a Movement

The Roshni Alumni Association, together with its Alma Mater, the School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, Mangaluru, has launched the Roshni Impact Awards 2025, a national platform created to place its timeless motto, “Love Is Made Fruitful in Service,” at the heart of India’s social imagination. Instituted during the institution’s 65th anniversary year, also the Birth Centennial year of Professional Social Work Legend and Founder Principal of the School of Social Work, Dr. Olinda Pereira, the awards aim to elevate the essence of service, celebrate those who live it, and inspire a new generation to embrace compassion as a transformative force.

Rooted in the belief that true impact often happens quietly, the awards seek to bring visibility to individuals and organisations working in the shadows—healing, rebuilding, empowering, protecting, and uplifting communities across the country. Through this initiative, Roshni Nilaya hopes to amplify stories that reaffirm faith in humanity and light the way for emerging social leaders.

Recognising India’s Torchbearers of Change

Among this year’s honourees is Michael D’Souza, who will receive the Kudla Beacon Award for his extraordinary philanthropic footprint—ranging from ₹33.5 crore in interest-free educational loans to the construction support of more than 417 homes for families in need. His work exemplifies the spirit of service that the awards wish to celebrate.

The Community Catalyst Award goes to Dr N. Joshua Jayaseelan of Madras Christian College, whose contributions in peace education, youth leadership, community empowerment, environmental awareness, and international collaborations have strengthened protection and development frameworks across multiple regions.

Dr Anish V. Cherian of NIMHANS receives the Mind Matters Award for his national leadership in psychiatric social work, suicide prevention, and mental-health research, managing over ₹150 crore in initiatives aimed at strengthening community well-being and clinical practice.

The Justice Trailblazer Award honours Advocate Flavia Agnes, co-founder of the MAJLIS Legal Centre, whose four decades of feminist legal action have reshaped gender-justice discourse and supported more than one lakh survivors of violence.

Environmentalist Jeeth Milan Roche is named for the Earth Guardian Award, recognising his creation of over fifteen Miyawaki forests and the planting of more than two lakh trees, sparking a local ecological movement with national resonance.

The Nazneen Abdulla Yenepoya Special Jury Award is conferred upon Poonam Pardeshi of Perkins India, a visionary in disability inclusion. Blind since birth, she has spent over twenty years transforming accessible education, advocacy, technology, and training across India.

Guests Who Embody Resilience and Justice

The ceremony will be led by Chief Guest Dr Ravindranath Shanbhag, President of the Human Rights Protection Foundation, Udupi. A stalwart of human-rights advocacy whose worldview was shaped by imprisonment during the Emergency, Dr Shanbhag has resolved thousands of citizen grievances with unwavering precision and compassion.

Ahmed Kabeer, celebrated digital entrepreneur and founder of KTB Shop24, joins as Guest of Honour. Despite severe physical immobility and the use of only one functional finger, he has built a powerful online brand—motivating millions with his creativity and persistence.

A Jury of National Stature

A distinguished national panel selected the awardees through a multi-stage, merit-driven evaluation process. The jury comprises:

  • Allen C. A. Pereira – Former CMD, Oriental Bank of Commerce & Bank of Maharashtra
  • Dr N. Janardhan – Professor, NIMHANS; noted mental-health scholar
  • Prof P. K. Shajahan – Internationally recognised social work scholar
  • L. S. Ghandi Doss – Veteran academic; Founder President, INPSWA
  • Dr Rita Noronha – Eminent gender and development scholar

Their collective expertise ensured objectivity, transparency, and an unwavering focus on real-world impact over popularity.

A Tradition Begins

The Roshni Impact Awards 2025 will be held on 20 December 2025 at the Roshni Nilaya campus in Mangaluru. The organisers envision this inaugural event as the beginning of a long-lasting tradition—one that celebrates service, elevates impact, and reminds India that light multiplies when it is shared.

In the words of the institution:
“For 65 years, Roshni Nilaya has shaped social workers. Today, we pause to honour those who have shaped society in return.”