Srinagar, Feb 12: Pune-based social, cultural and educational organisation ‘Sarhad’ has been selected for the prestigious 29th National Bhagwan Mahaveer Award, instituted by the Bhagwan Mahaveer Foundation, Chennai, a release stated on Wednesday.
The Foundation has recognised ‘Sarhad’ for its exceptional humanitarian work and commitment to promoting non-violence and human values through education, cultural dialogue, and people-to-people engagement.
The award acknowledges Sarhad’s sustained efforts in fostering peace, national integration, and communal harmony, the release noted.
Bhagwan Mahaveer Foundation founder Sugalchand Jain said: “Sarhad has set a remarkable example by translating the spirit of non-violence and humanitarian values into meaningful action. Its work demonstrates how dialogue, education and ethical engagement can drive social transformation. We are delighted to honour Sarhad’s sustained efforts in promoting peace and harmony. This recognition will further strengthen its mission and inspire many others.”
The Mahaveer Awards are presented annually to individuals and institutions across India for outstanding contributions in the fields of non-violence and vegetarianism, education, medicine, and community and social service. The award carries a cash prize of rupees 10 lakhs, a citation, and a momento.
For the 29th edition, a total of 267 nominations from across the country were carefully evaluated by a distinguished jury panel chaired by former Chief Justice of India Justice M N Venkatachaliah.
The selection committee included eminent personalities such as senior Jain nun Acharya Chandanaji Maharaj; former Chief Justice of India Justice Dr D Y Chandrachud; RBI part-time Director and Tughlaq editor S Gurumurthy; Prof B m Hegde, Chairman of Bharatiya Vidya Bhawan Mangaluru; former Chief Election Commissioner T S Krishnamurthy; former SEBI Chairman and retired IAS officer D R Mehta; former Cabinet Secretary Prabhat Kumar (Retd. IAS); and former Supreme Court Judge Justice G S Singhvi.
Founded in 1995 by Sanjay Nahar, ‘Sarhad’ has been actively working in conflict-prone regions such as Punjab, Jammu & Kashmir, and the Northeastern states of India. Through interfaith dialogue, cultural festivals, educational initiatives, and student exchange programmes, the organization has built bridges of trust and mutual understanding among diverse communities. ‘Sarhad’ also provides free educational and residential support to students from conflict-affected regions.
