Ample Missiion Awards of Inspiration 2024: Spotlighting Everyday Heroes
Pays Homage to late Raju Srivastava with Laughter Awards
The Ample Missiion Awards of Inspiration shines a light on exceptional individuals who embody resilience, kindness, and unwavering dedication to making a difference. Established by the visionary philanthropist Dr Aneel Kashi Murarka, this initiative has, since 2014, been a tribute to India’s unsung heroes across fields often overlooked. With each edition, the awards celebrate remarkable contributions toward building a more inclusive and compassionate society. The latest edition of the Ample Missiion Awards of Inspiration, honouring people from a broad spectrum of fields, exemplifying bravery, perseverance, and selflessness was held at NESCO Exhibition Centre in Goregaon East.
A special addition to this time’s edition was the Laughter Luminaries Awards, recognising comedians who uplift society with joy and laughter, a gesture inspired by the late comedian and Dr Murarka’s close friend Raju Srivastava who passed away in 2022. Known for his vibrant humour and heartwarming performances, Srivastava’s legacy was celebrated as a testament to the power of laughter at the event. “My dear friend Raju, who left us too soon, taught us the timeless power of spreading joy. This tribute is our heartfelt way of honouring those who brighten others’ lives and ease the weight of everyday struggles with their perfect comic timing,” shared Dr Murarka. Honourees in this category included Sunil Pal, celebrated for his energetic style, mimicry artists Nitin Bhandarkar and Uday Dahia, known for their global comedy engagements, were also recognised and felicitated. The late Raju Srivastav’s wife Shikha Srivastava was also present on the occasion alongside Dr Aneel Kashi Murarka.
The event honoured an inspiring spectrum of individuals who, through their unique journeys, have touched countless lives. Among them were Sridevi Prakash Londhe, Mumbai’s first transgender graduate and a staunch advocate for transgender rights; Yogita Tambe, a Limca Book of Records-recognised blind musician who has mastered an astonishing fifty instruments; Anand Shinde, known as the ‘Elephant Whisperer,’ dedicated to elephant welfare and environmental preservation; Khushi Ganatra, a passionate advocate for disability rights, equality, and independence through her foundation; Deepmala Pande, a blind cricketer and athlete representing India in Women’s Blind Cricket; Pradeep Kumbhar, an inspiring marathoner and long-distance swimmer despite having lost a leg in an accident; Ami Ganatra, an author and speaker specialising in Indic learning systems, focusing on the Ramayana and Mahabharata, inspiring youth with timeless narratives; MCPO Ramesh JS Chandra, a former Indian Navy officer and nuclear scientist, honoured for his role in defense and post-retirement social service; Balaso Dhage, a Mumbai police constable who risked his life to rescue a man from an impending train accident; Subhash Talekar, President of Mumbai Dabbawala Association, innovating community service with Roti Bank and Kapda Bank, blending tradition and technology with the Papers and Parcels app; Shashikant Bhagwan Phalke, a leading fireman recognised for saving residents trapped in flames in Mumbai; Ravin Dhakatya Vighne, another fireman who battled a 20-hour basement fire, rescuing trapped citizens; Wing Commander Anand Tiwari, a Kargil War hero; and Colonel Chandra Shekhar Unni, a retired Army officer and environmental advocate focusing on river rejuvenation.
The Ample Missiion Awards of Inspiration has once again succeeded in not only honouring excellence but also inspiring us all to contribute, in whatever way we can, to a better society. “This platform was created to shine a light on the true heroes of our country. Each of these individuals proves that real greatness lies in service to others. Witnessing these extraordinary lives come together here gives us hope for a kinder world,” concluded Dr Aneel Kashi Murarka.
