Blind musician and Elephant Whisperer honoured at awards ceremony in Mumbai

MUMBAI: The Ample Missiion Awards of Inspiration, which honour everyday heroes from various fields were distributed at Nesco Exhibition Centre in Goregaon Monday.
This year's awardees include Sridevi Londhe, Mumbai's "first transgender graduate" and advocate for transgender rights, Yogita Tambe, Limca Book of Records holder and blind musician who has mastered an astonishing 50 instruments, and Anand Shinde, known as the Elephant Whisperer who is dedicated to elephant welfare and environmental preservation.
There is also Khushi Ganatra, who champions the rights of the disabled through her foundation, blind cricketer Deepmala Pande and Pradeep Kumbhar, who became a marathoner and long distance swimmer despite having lost a leg in an accident. Author and orator Ami Ganatra specialises in Indic learning systems focusing on the Ramayan and Mahabharat.
MCPO Ramesh JS Chandra, a former Indian Navy officer and nuclear scientist, was honoured for his role in defence and social service while Balaso Dhage, a Mumbai police constable risked his life to rescue a man from a near train accident. Subhash Talekar, president of Mumbai Dabbawallahs Association, helped devise the Roti Bank and Kapda Bank while fireman Shashikant Phalke saved residents trapped in flames in Mumbai.
Another fireman Ravin Vighne battled a 20-hour basement fire, rescuing trapped citizens. Wing Commander Anand Tiwari is a Kargil War hero and Col. Chandra Shekhar Unni, retired Army officer, is an.environmental activist focusing on river rejuvenation.
Established by philanthropist Aneel Murarka in 2014, the awards pay tribute to India's unsung heroes.
A special addition to this year's edition is the Laughter Luminaries Award inspired by Murarka’s friend comedian Raju Srivastava who passed away in 2022. Winners included Sunil Pal and Navin Prabhakar, whose 'Pehchan kaun?' phrase made him popular, as well as comedian writer Rajeev Nigam, mimicry artists Nitin Bhandarkar and Uday Dahia, known for their global comedy engagements.
Organiser Murarka said, "These awards not only honour excellence but also inspire us to contribute to a better society. This platform was created to shine a light on the true heroes of our country. Witnessing these extraordinary people come together gives us hope for a kinder world."