Pune- Celebrating Bhagawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba’s 92^nd birthday, the Sri Sathya Sai Loka Seva Trust, in a splendid ceremony held the “Sri Sathya Sai Award for Human Excellence” at Sathya Sai Grama, Muddenahalli, Karnataka on 23^rd November, 2017.Sister Lucy Vacachalil Kurien from Pune has been awarded “The Sri Sathya Sai Award for Human Excellence” in the “Unity of Religions” category. The award was conferred by the winners from last year and the jury members from the respective category. Eight other inspiring women from various parts of the world have also been bestowed this award for their contributions in different fields.

Sister Lucy Kurien established ‘Maher’ in 1997 which translates to ‘my mother’s home’ in Marathi, an institution in Pune, Maharashtra that works with destitute women, irrespective of caste, creed or religion. The centre has a range of services that range from awareness programmes to creches, Balwadis (kindergartens), tutorials, workshops, and self-help groups that help these women lead independent and dignified lives. Over the course of 15 years, Maher has helped more than 15,000 women and children achieve a life of normalcy and currently houses over 860 street children and more than 320 destitute women.

TAFE Chairman & CEO, Ms. Mallika Srinivasan, speaking on behalf of the awards’ organizing committee said, “These exemplary women are powerful beacons of hope for the world and for all women. Inspirational, worthy of emulation, symbols of courage, conviction and sacrifice, they have set the bench mark for excellence and have gone beyond; transforming societies, enriching the world and bringing hope, joy and succor to millions through their tireless and passionate effort. Each one of them, in her unique innovative way, has made a lasting impact on human values and built a model of change that is globally relevant, living up to the ideal that each one of us, through our creativity, compassion, love and endeavor can make a difference towards a better world for all”.

The awardees are individuals who have led a life of service and sacrifice fostering mankind in various fields of social relevance towards the goal of transforming lives. The Sri Sathya Sai Award for Human Excellence recognized people in seven categories: Education, Environment, Health, Music & Fine Arts, Unity of Religions, Woman & Child Welfare and Sports. An eminent jury comprising members representing the award categories, carefully analyzed and evaluated the nominations.