Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice Held in Mumbai

By: WE staff | Tuesday, 23 December 2025

• The Mother Teresa Memorial Award for Social Justice, 2025 was hosted in Mumbai, India
• This ceremony commemorated the 21st Anniversary of awards presented to various individuals

The Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice 2025 were conducted in Mumbai on 21 December at the Hotel Sofitel BKC.

This event was conducted by the Harmony Foundation, which operates as a non-profit organisation in Mumbai, celebrating 21 years of acknowledging people and organisations who have embodied the ideals of compassion and service, just as Mother Teresa herself. This year’s theme for these awards was ‘Guardians of Humanity’.

The function was marked by the presence of several special guests, which included Hon. Justice K.K. Tated (Retd.), Vinita Sahu (IPS), Krishna Prakash (IPS), Abha Singh Advocate, Mahesh Bhatt (Film Maker), and actor Denzil Smith.

At the function, Dr. Abraham Mathai, the Founder-Chairman of the Harmony Foundation and former Vice-Chairperson of the Minorities Commission, spoke on the background of the Mother Teresa Memorial Awards.

According to Dr. Abraham, the awards were instituted as an attempt to recognize "service motivated by compassion, and not political or historical expediency.” Dr. Abraham further emphasized the significance of the award as it has been honored by eight Nobel Laureates, including His Holiness the Dalai Lama.

Recipients of this award in 2025 included Dr. Denis Mukwege, a Nobel laureate, for his commitment to supporting victims of sexual violence in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Dr. Denis was unable to take part in this award-giving event due to health-related fears associated with living in exile.

Her Excellency Dr. Edna Adan Ismail, who was the first qualified nurse from Somalia – and therefore Somaliland – received this award for her dedication to maternal health, her fight against the custom of cutting the female genital organs, and her struggle for the rights of women.

The award also honored Safeena Husain, the founder of Educate Girls, for her efforts in bridging gender gaps in education and empowering girls in rural India.

Moreover, Make-A-Wish Foundation was honored for their international efforts in granting wishes for critically ill children and their families in nearly 50 countries around the world.

Harmony Foundation, founded by Dr. Abraham in Mumbai, strives for social harmony, inclusiveness, and humanitarian considerations. The Harmony Foundation was inspired by and devoted to Mother Teresa, and thus, “The Mother Teresa Memorial Awards for Social Justice” were formed in 2005.

The Harmony Foundation has honored international leaders and Nobel laureates and organizations who have rendered service in promoting “Peace, Social Justice, and Humanitarian causes” for the last 21 years.