Surat, March 1, 2025 – Vishelwin Foundation proudly announces the fifth annual Guardian Angel Awards, scheduled to be held on March 2, 2025, in Surat. This prestigious event will recognize and honor over 80 individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication and compassion in the field of special needs. The awards celebrate selfless individuals who are committed to enriching the lives of people with special needs.
The awards ceremony will honor doctors, psychiatrists, neurologists, therapists, special educators, advocates of inclusive education and vocational rehabilitation, role models, ambassadors of empowerment and inclusivity, unsung heroes, and lifetime achievers. Their tireless efforts not only bring positive change to the lives of people with disabilities but also play a vital role in building an inclusive society.
The event will be graced by the Honorable Mayor of Surat, Mr. Dakshesh Mevani, DCP Mr. Vijay Singh Gurjar, and Social Security Officer Mr. L. B. Patel. Poonam G. Kaushik, Managing Trustee of Vishelwin Foundation, stated,
“Our goal is to honor selfless individuals dedicated to transforming the lives of children with special needs. More attention needs to be given to this field, and through such award ceremonies, we aim to raise awareness and share the inspiring stories of these exceptional individuals’ courage, dedication, and selflessness.”
Ms. Mala Arora, Diversity, Inclusion, and Mental Health Consultant, added, “Inclusion of people with disabilities in society is their fundamental right, and ensuring accessibility, dignity, and independence is essential. Assistive technology and infrastructure improvements empower persons with disabilities. Now in its fifth year, the Vishelwin Awards recognize the hard work of those bringing change in this sector and striving to build an inclusive society.”
Honored Individuals & OrganizationsLifetime Achiever Award Mr. Dakshesh Ojha (Trustee, Jain-Anupam N. Parmar Charitable Trust, Valsad)
A pioneer in education and rehabilitation for children with special needs Integrated over 1,200 orphaned, tribal, and disabled children into mainstream education Empowerment & Inclusion Ambassador Award Dr. Homiyar Mobedji – Disability Rights Advocate & Assistive Technology Expert Transformative work for persons with disabilities globally for over 40 years
Mr. Lalit M. Jain – Vice President, Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayata Samiti (BMVSS), Ahmedabad
Provided artificial limbs to over 26,000 persons with disabilities, making them self-reliant
Unsung Hero Award
Laxman Bhimrao Birhade – Former Captain, Gujarat Wheelchair Cricket Team
Gauriben Parsottambhai Patel – International para-athlete with 90+ medals
Mahendrabhai Parmar – Dedicated to the care of orphaned and disabled children for 15+ years
Inclusive School Award
Atul Vidyalaya, Valsad – A model school for inclusive education
Other Honorees
Dr. Dilip Sharma – Special Education Expert (20+ years of experience)
Rohan Kumar Chasia – Gujarat’s first para-swimmer
Vaishali Nilesh Patel – International para-badminton player
Anvi Vijay Jhajhrukia – National yoga champion, “Rubber Girl of India”
Hetvi Khimsuriya – Winner of the Prime Minister National Child Award (2024)
