In a unique initiative aimed at recognising and honouring individuals dedicated to the cause of Hindutva and cultural nationalism, the second edition of the Akshayya Hindu Awards ceremony is set to take place in May 2024. Building upon the success of its inaugural event in 2023, this year’s ceremony promises to be even more impactful, with increased awards and a broader scope for nominations.
The brainchild of like-minded individuals committed to promoting the values of Hinduism and nationalism, the Akshayya Hindu Awards seek to acknowledge the contributions of grassroots workers across various domains related to Hindutva. Inspired by the vision of action advocated by revered figures such as Samarth Ramdas, the organizers emphasize the importance of tangible efforts in advancing the cause.
Shefali Vaidya hailed the initiative about honouring those who are relentlessly working for the cause of Hindutva and cultural nationalism
#AkshayyaHinduAward – The Process
Last year, some of us like-minded individuals got together in Pune and decided to institute awards for the Hindus, by the Hindus for work done for the Hindus, the #AkshayyaHinduPuraskar!
The awards are given in five different categories, to…
— Shefali Vaidya. 🇮🇳 (@ShefVaidya) April 7, 2024
Central to the ethos of the Akshayya Hindu Awards is the principle of community participation. Unlike traditional award ceremonies, where nominations often come from select committees or political leaders, the Akshayya Hindu Awards rely on the involvement of the public. This ensures that the recognition is truly representative of the collective efforts of the Hindutva movement.
Google Form Link : https://forms.gle/VDSAf2rpe1C1JTJL7
In line with this ethos, the organisers have outlined three key criteria for the awards. Firstly, nominations must come from the public, reflecting the inclusive nature of Hindutva as a societal endeavour. Secondly, the focus is on honouring ground-level workers who are actively engaged in promoting Hindutva ideals, with a deliberate exclusion of political figures from the nomination process. Finally, the awards are presented under the banner of the Hindu Humanist Indian Nationalist Democratic Union (HHINDU), symbolising the unity and diversity inherent within the community.
The format of the awards draws inspiration from Kodanddhari Shriram, a symbol of valour and righteousness in Hindu mythology. Recipients of the Akshayya Hindu Awards receive a cash prize of ten thousand rupees each, along with a set of books authored by leading proponents of Rashtravadi thought.
The awards are presented across five categories, representing different dimensions of Hindutva activism. These include cow protection, religious awareness, social harmony, social awareness (literature, art, media), and tribal welfare. By recognising individuals working in diverse fields, the Akshayya Hindu Awards highlight the multifaceted nature of the Hindutva movement and its impact on society.
Nominations for the awards are open to the public, with a Google form available for submissions. Interested individuals can either nominate themselves or recommend others for consideration. The deadline for nominations is April 15, with the final selection process overseen by the organising committee.
It was last year, in 2023, that the awards were launched for the first time. A diverse array of activists from various backgrounds and regions who made significant contributions to their communities, driven by a shared commitment to serving God, country, and religion, were recognised for their work.
From Shalutai Kolhe’s efforts to empower women from scheduled tribes in Gondia district to Swati Shilkar’s dedication to Gorakshan in Goa, and the courageous work of Dinesh and Sneha Joshi in rescuing Hindu girls from Love Jihad in Nagar, these individuals exemplify the spirit of service and sacrifice. Whether it’s Kumar Panjalar’s diligent work or Ashutosh Adoniji’s insightful statements, each person’s experience and contribution are invaluable in advancing the causes they believe in. Their collective efforts reflect a deep-rooted commitment to addressing societal challenges and promoting the values of faith, patriotism, and social justice.
