Michael D’Souza to Receive Kudla Beacon Award at Roshni Ceremony

Philanthropist and non-resident Indian Michael D’Souza will be honoured with the prestigious Kudla Beacon Award during the inaugural Roshni Impact Awards 2025. This event, organised by the School of Social Work, Roshni Nilaya, aims to recognise the contributions of individuals who have made significant impacts in their communities across India. The award highlights D’Souza’s exceptional dedication to community service, particularly in the fields of education, housing, and empowerment.

D’Souza’s philanthropic initiatives include a remarkable INR 33.5 crore dedicated to interest-free educational loans and support for over 417 homes for families in need. His efforts have earned him widespread acclaim and respect within the region.

Celebrating Change-Makers Across India

The Roshni Impact Awards are part of the institution’s 65-year legacy and aim to celebrate individuals and organisations that create sustainable and meaningful change. The awards align with the institution’s motto, “Where Knowledge Becomes Service, and Service Becomes Light,” reflecting a commitment to justice, dignity, and compassion in society.

The ceremony will feature Dr Ravindranath Shanbhag, president of the Human Rights Protection Foundation in Udupi, as the chief guest. His extensive work in addressing citizen grievances and his experiences during the Emergency have significantly influenced his lifelong commitment to human rights advocacy. Additionally, young entrepreneur and digital creator Ahmed Kabeer will serve as the guest of honour. Despite facing severe physical immobility, Kabeer has successfully established a thriving online brand, showcasing immense resilience and creativity.

A diverse group of awardees will be recognised for their impactful contributions in various fields. The Community Catalyst Award will be presented to Dr N Joshua Jayaseelan of Madras Christian College for his efforts in peace education, youth development, child protection, environmental awareness, and community empowerment. The Mind Matters Award will honour Dr Anish V Cherian of NIMHANS for his leadership in psychiatric social work and mental health research, which has significantly bolstered suicide prevention and community mental health programmes.

The Justice Trailblazer Award will be awarded to advocate Flavia Agnes, co-founder of the MAJLIS Legal Centre, recognising her four decades of feminist legal advocacy that has supported over 100,000 survivors of violence. Environmentalist Jeeth Milan Roche will receive the Earth Guardian Award for planting over 200,000 trees and developing more than fifteen Miyawaki forests in Mangaluru. The Nazneen Abdulla Yenepoya Special Jury Award will go to Poonam Pardeshi of Perkins India, a national disability-inclusion advocate who has dedicated two decades to transforming accessible education despite being blind since birth.

The awardees were selected through a rigorous multi-stage process by a national jury comprising leaders in banking, mental health, social innovation, social work, and gender studies. This selection process prioritised transparency, measurable impact, and merit over popularity.

The inaugural awards ceremony is scheduled for December 20, 2025, at the Roshni Nilaya campus in Mangaluru. Organisers hope this event will become an annual celebration of those who illuminate their communities through dedicated service and transformative action.