International Awards
Date: May 23, 2026
Location: Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania, USA
The Ambedkar Association of North America (AANA) proudly announced the recipients of the 2026 AANA Awards during its Annual Retreat held from May 22–25, 2026, at Laurelville Retreat Center in Mt. Pleasant, Pennsylvania.
AANA Annual Retreat brought together over 230 participants from United States, Canada and India for four days of Dhamma-centered learning, meditation, panel discussions, workshops, cultural events, outdoor activities, and the symbolic “Run for Equality.”
Dr Ambedkar International Award Recipient 2026:
Prof Atul Bhosekar
Atul Bhosekar is an independent researcher, educator, and activist in Buddhist archaeology, known for his work on Maharashtra’s rock-cut Buddhist caves, especially the Trirashmi (Pandavleni) caves in Nashik. Originally trained in Physics, he later specialized in Brahmi scripts, Pali language, and Buddhist epigraphy. He is the founder and director of Trirashmi Research Institute of Buddhist, Indic Languages and Scripts (TRIBILS), which promotes awareness of Buddhist heritage through research, teaching, and field workshops.
Although unable to attend in person, Atul Bhosekar shared a heartfelt video message expressing his deep gratitude to AANA. He dedicated the award to his family, supporters, friends, colleagues, and students who have tirelessly worked toward the preservation and promotion of Buddhist culture. In his message, he noted that for the past 28 years, he has remained committed to the mission of spreading the teachings and vision of B. R. Ambedkar, along with the values of Buddhist culture. He concluded by thanking all AANA members and expressed immense pride in AANA’s achievements and continued contributions to the community.
Mr. Sanjay Bhagat accepted award and certificate on behalf of Prof Atul Bhosekar.
Savitrimai Phule International Award 2026
Recipient: Ms. Swati Sawant
Ms Swati Sawant is an immigration lawyer and civil rights advocate based in New York and New Jersey, recognized for her dedicated work in immigration law, human trafficking, workplace caste equity, and civil rights advocacy. She played a significant role in major human rights and labor justice cases, including the BAPS Temple forced labor lawsuit and the Sahib Restaurant caste-discrimination case in New York.
Through her legal advocacy, leadership, and service as Program Director at the International Commission for Dalit Rights (ICDR), she has made meaningful contributions toward justice, equity, and the protection of marginalized communities.
In her award acceptance message, she said, “To receive this award in the name of Savitrimai Phule, a revolutionary woman who fought for dignity, education, and the liberation of the oppressed, is truly a great honor. Receiving an award in her name is not only a privilege, but also a powerful reminder of the responsibility we carry forward.
She accepted this award with humility and a renewed commitment to the cause and dedicated it to all those who continue to fight courageously for justice and equality. She also expressed her sincere gratitude to AANA for presenting such a meaningful award.
Mooknayak Excellence in Journalism Award 2026
Recipient: Ambedkarite People’s Voice
This year’s Mooknayak Excellence in Journalism Award was conferred to Ambedkarite People’s Voice (APV News) in recognition of its impactful contribution to independent digital journalism and its unwavering commitment to amplifying the voices of marginalized communities across India.
With a digital reach of more than 1.3 million YouTube subscribers, APV News has emerged as a powerful platform for social justice, political awareness, and social equality. Guided by the ideals and vision of Dr. B. R. Ambedkar, the
platform has consistently highlighted issues concerning Dalit, Bahujan, and other underrepresented communities, bringing critical grassroots narratives into the national conversation
Ambedkarite People’s Voice (APV News) could not join the event due to short timing and conveyed his message via recorded video message.
In his award acceptance message, Ambedkarite People’s Voice (APV News) Founder and CEO Navratram Noroli expressed his gratitude to the Ambedkar Association of North America, stating that the honor was not merely an award, but an international recognition of journalism dedicated to social justice and the voices of marginalized communities.
He shared that despite limited resources, his team began its journey with a firm commitment to providing a platform for the oppressed, deprived, and underrepresented sections of society. Today, Ambedkar People’s Voice has emerged as one of the country’s leading Ambedkarite national digital platform, connecting with millions of people.
He credited this achievement to his dedicated team, viewers, supporters, and all those who continue to struggle for social justice and equality.
Mr. Sanjay Sisale accepted award and certificate on behalf of Ambedkar People’s Voice.
Dr Ambedkar International Lifetime Achievement Award 2026
Recipient: Bhante Gunaratna
Bhante Henepola Gunaratana is a globally respected Buddhist monk, meditation teacher, and humanitarian whose lifelong contributions have had a profound impact on Buddhist communities around the world. He is believed to be the only living Sri Lankan monk who worked closely with followers of B. R. Ambedkar in Mumbai during Babasaheb’s lifetime. He actively participated in Buddhist activities in Sanchi during the period of Ambedkar’s Dhamma conversion. Bhante Gunaratna is internationally renowned for his bestselling book “Mindfulness in Plain English”, which became a New York Times top-selling title in its category and introduced mindfulness meditation to millions of readers worldwide. He also played a pioneering role in advancing gender equality in Buddhism by becoming one of the first monks to support and initiate the ordination of women in the United States. At 98 years of age, Bhante Gunaratana continues to actively teach and inspire through his regular onehour
Dhamma talks and spiritual guidance. His monastery has become a center of learning and compassion, providing accommodation and meals to visitors and practitioners. Beyond his spiritual work, he also collaborated with the U.S. government in rehabilitation efforts that helped more than 11,000 Vietnamese refugees resettle in the United States following the Vietnam War.
Dr Raj Narnaware accepted award and Certificate on behalf of Bhante Gunaratna.
These honors reaffirm AANA’s commitment to recognizing and supporting the tireless efforts of individuals and organizations working to uphold the vision and legacy of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule, Savitrimai Phule, and other pioneers of social transformation.
Savitrimai Phule International Award, Nagpur
28th July 2025
Ambedkar International Award, Mumbai
15th July 2024
2013 Dr. Ambedkar international Award.
25th May 2013
AANA is going to present this award during 122th Dr. Ambedkar Jayanti & Buddha Poornima on Saturday, May-25th-2013 at Ohiopyle, PA.
Mr. Kamble Sir is very well known, prompt, and very dedicated social activist, who has not only carried forward Dr. Ambedkar’s mission in India but also globally. Mr. Kamble sir is the only person who is connecting people all over USA, Canada, Malaysia, Japan, Australia ,UK, UAE, France and many other countries for last 20+ years.
As a true Ambedkarite Kamble Sir exemplifies by his Service to Community and exceptional personal qualities of compassion and leadership.
His personal characteristics and charisma has not only able to connect the Ambedkarites together but motivate them to carry out social, economical and cultural activities for our community by creating a very special slogan, “PAY BACK TO SOCIETY”
He is truly working on Dr B R Ambedkar’s mission ” Educate, Unite & Agitate”!
He goes to all International places on his own expense, continuously promoting Ambedkarism and Buddhism around the world.
He is the only key person in North America to keep people united working together for the common cause.
Congratulation Raju Kamble sir, you really deserve it.
AANA would like to invite you to attend this event with your family and friends.