Sikh Achievers Awards 2025: Global Sikh Icons Honoured In Mumbai For Professional Excellence And Spiritual Service

Mumbai: Members of the Sikh community were honoured with the Sikh Achievers Awards by the Sanjha Pariwar Sat Sri Akal Charitable Trust last week.

The 2025 edition of its annual recognition of exceptional Sikh personalities from across the globe, whose lives reflect a perfect harmony of professional excellence and spiritual service.

The awards recognises not only the global success stories of Sikh professionals, scientists, athletes, and social workers, but also their commitment to uplifting humanity and living the spirit of 'Sarbat da Bhala', the trust said.

The Sanjha Pariwar Sat Sri Akal Charitable Trust, founded on the tenets of selfless service, has long been involved in various humanitarian initiatives — from health camps for underprivileged children in Maharashtra to rehabilitation efforts for disaster-struck regions.

“We are not just celebrating individuals; we are recognising movements, of courage, character, and compassion,” said S Puran Singh Banga, trustee and chairperson. “Each awardee is a torchbearer of Sikh ideals, and we hope their stories continue to inspire generations to pursue success with humility and service.”

The awardees this year include Tejdeep Kaur Menon who retired as Director General of Police — the first woman from South India to reach this post. Post-retirement, she became president of the Telangana Sikh Society, working for marginalised communities, especially Sikhligar Sikhs.

Mahenderpal Singh, who served over 30 years at ISRO, contributing to historic missions like Chandrayaan and Mangalyaan, was another awardee. He now empowers Sikh youth through education and upliftment through institutions like the Sri Dashmesh Jyot School.

Another awardee, Dr Naurang Singh Mangat, who established Guru Amar Das Apahaj Ashram in Ludhiana, gave up an academic career to create a sanctuary that now houses over 215 destitute, ill, and mentally unwell individuals.

Other awardees include Mandeep Kaur, para badminton star who overcame polio to become a symbol of resilience with 34 international medals, and Dr Harpreet Kaur, the first woman pilot of Air India and the first woman to head an airline in India.

Bebe Bapu Da School, a grassroots initiative by volunteers who teach elderly villagers to read, write, and sign their names with pride, received an award for restoring people's self-worth through education and respect.

Ranvir Singh Sachdeva, a six-year-old who is one of the youngest coders globally and a TEDx speaker was honoured for proving that brilliance and responsibility are ageless, and for inspiring a global shift in how we see young minds. The awards ceremony was held at Shanmukhananda Chandrasekarendra Saraswathi Auditorium, Sion.

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