Mayaa SH, a prominent figure in the arts and culture sector, expressed profound gratitude and humility upon receiving the prestigious Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Smriti Samman National Award 2025. This award is given to individuals who have made significant contributions to Indian society through their work in various fields, including literature, art, and social activism.
In her thanksgiving, Mayaa has emphasized the importance of recognizing historical figures like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, whose legacy she believes continues to inspire many in contemporary India. Being residing in Maharashtra, she has articulated that winning this award was not just a personal achievement but also a recognition of the collective efforts of all those who strive for cultural preservation and innovation. Mayaa has also highlighted how such awards can motivate individuals to continue their work with renewed vigor and commitment.Moreover, she took the opportunity to reflect on her journey as an artist and activist, acknowledging the challenges she faced along the way. Mayaa stated that this recognition serves as a reminder of her responsibility towards society and encourages her to further engage in initiatives that promote cultural awareness and education among younger generations.
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In interviews following the award, Mayaa has reiterated her dedication to using her platform for social good. She mentioned plans to initiate workshops aimed at educating youth about India’s rich cultural heritage while also addressing contemporary issues through art. Her reaction was characterized by a blend of joy for personal recognition and a serious commitment to societal impact. Overall, Mayaa SH reacted with gratitude and a sense of responsibility upon winning the Vinayak Damodar Savarkar Smriti Samman National Award 2025, viewing it as both an honour and an impetus for continued advocacy in arts and culture.
Mayaa SH emphasizes the critical role of peace restoration in her advocacy for human rights and social justice. She articulates that “Peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a proactive state that requires active engagement and commitment from individuals and communities. The perspective on peace restoration must be deeply intertwined with her broader advocacy for women’s rights, mental health awareness, and social equity.” Mayaa SH believes that true peace can only be achieved through empowerment and education. She argues that when individuals, particularly women, are empowered with knowledge and resources, they become agents of change within their communities. This empowerment fosters an environment where dialogue can flourish, grievances can be addressed constructively, and conflicts can be resolved peacefully. By promoting educational initiatives aimed at enhancing women’s literacy and legal awareness, she aims to equip them with the tools necessary to advocate for their rights and contribute to societal harmony. Moreover, she highlights the importance of addressing systemic inequalities as a foundation for lasting peace. Mayaa SH asserts that without tackling issues such as gender-based violence, economic disparity, and discrimination, efforts towards peace will remain superficial. She advocates for comprehensive legal reforms that protect vulnerable populations and ensure equitable access to resources. This approach not only addresses immediate conflicts but also lays the groundwork for sustainable peace by fostering trust among community members.In her discussions on mental health, Mayaa SH connects psychological well-being with peace restoration. She notes that unresolved trauma and mental health issues can perpetuate cycles of violence and conflict. By advocating for mental health awareness and support systems within communities, she believes that individuals can heal from past traumas, leading to more peaceful interactions and relationships.
Mayaa SH advocates for stronger international collaboration in combating terrorism. She highlights the need for countries to share intelligence and resources effectively, as the global nature of terrorism requires a unified response. This sentiment aligns with the idea that no nation can claim immunity from terrorist threats, necessitating a collective effort to enhance security measures across borders. A significant aspect of her argument is the necessity to tackle the underlying factors that contribute to radicalization and terrorism. These include poverty, inequality, lack of education, and political disenfranchisement. By addressing these issues through sustainable development and inclusive governance, societies can reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies. Mayaa SH stresses that counter-terrorism efforts must not compromise human rights or civil liberties. She asserts that violations of human rights can exacerbate grievances and fuel further extremism. Therefore, any measures taken must align with international human rights standards to avoid creating conditions conducive to terrorism.
Finally, Mayaa SH underscores the significance of collective action in achieving peace. She encourages grassroots movements that unite diverse groups around common goals related to human rights and social justice. By fostering solidarity among various marginalized communities, she believes that a stronger collective voice can advocate for systemic changes necessary for restoring peace. Mayaa SH’s approach to peace restoration encompasses empowerment through education, addressing systemic inequalities, promoting mental health awareness, and encouraging collective action among communities.
About The Author
Mayaa SH is famous for her multifaceted contributions as a prominent Indian feminist activist, authoress, poetess, social reformer, and public intellectual, particularly known for her extensive work in championing women’s rights and gender equality in India. Her fame stems from a lifelong commitment to advocating for these causes, which has significantly impacted the country. She is recognized as one of the foremost voices in campaigning for the rights of women in India. Her work involves challenging patriarchal norms within society and raising awareness about women’s rights through various mediums. Mayaa SH believes that feminism should be accessible to everyone and emphasizes that experiences of inequality are enough to inspire action, famously stating, “You Don’t Need To Be Highly Educated To Be Empowered.” She has contributed significantly to raising awareness on women’s education and gender issues, undertaking podcasts and mentoring aimed at empowering women and educating both men and women about gender equality. Her efforts have helped increase literacy rates among women and fostered a greater understanding of human rights. As an authoress, Mayaa SH is a known name in contemporary literature and has gained national recognition for her writings on contemporary issues affecting women. She has authored numerous books, including self-help books focused on instilling self-belief among women, and her writings delve into understanding patriarchy and gender dynamics. Her works have been widely used by NGOs to educate individuals about gender issues. She is also a poetess, with her poem “Kotha” being particularly famous for its powerful message advocating for women empowerment, and “The Candle in the Wind” having won a national award, which fueled her passion for writing and social advocacy. Mayaa SH is recognized as a multi-national award winner and holds thirteen world records in various literary categories and her work specially dedicated to women’s rights .Having co-authored over two hundred plus anthologies and published several solo books, showcasing her prolific output and influence in the literary field. Beyond literature, Mayaa SH is a dedicated social activist who utilizes various non-literary methods such as posters, plays, and performances to communicate her messages effectively to communities with low literacy rates, making her advocacy more relatable and impactful. She is a recognized crusader on India’s contemporary verve of economics, freedom of the press, gender neutrality, and human rights. Her activism is dedicated to promoting social justice and equality, highlighting her commitment to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s ideals of liberty, equality, and fraternity. She has shared realistic examples as an advisor, recounting stories of women she has supported through her work in mental health and legal counseling. Mayaa SH is also known for her work in mental health advocacy. She is a suicide prevention expert and combating depression expert, credited with saving the lives of many across the country from suicide. She integrates mental health awareness into her work and public speaking. Her efforts and contributions have earned her widespread recognition, including multiple awards at both national and international levels, highlighting her influence as a champion for women’s rights. Most recently, she was conferred with numerous national awards for her outstanding contributions and significant impacts, particularly in promoting women’s empowerment and social justice. This award recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of citizenship by actively working towards improving the lives of others and fostering a sense of community.
