An Indian Catholic nun is among the 15 recipients of the esteemed 'Drivers of Change' award in Mumbai, western India, on March 17, 2025.
Sister Sudha Varghese, a member of the Patna province of Sisters of Notre Dame, is a social activist. She has been working with the most deprived group, the Musahar (rat eaters) community in the northern Indian state of Bihar, for the last three decades.
The Musahar are the lowest among the former untouchable castes in India.
“I am delighted to announce that I have received the esteemed 'Drivers of Change' award, presented by India Today and the Mahindra & Mahindra group, at a memorable event in Mumbai,” she said.
This year's theme for the award was 'Virasat and Vikas' (Heritage and Development), which celebrates the harmonious blend of heritage and progress.
“I feel privileged to have been one of 15 remarkable individuals recognized across diverse fields,” she added. “I extend my sincere appreciation to India Today and Mahindra & Mahindra for this incredible acknowledgment.”
Sudha left her home in the southern Indian state of Kerala while still in school to travel to Bihar and dedicate her life to the upliftment of the Dalit (formerly known as untouchables) community, including the Musahar.
Her inspiration for her life's work was a magazine article that highlighted the plight of Bihar’s Musahar Dalit community. Even as a child in the school, the squalor of their living conditions affected her. She decided to adopt this community and dedicate her life to their holistic development, especially the education of girl children and the empowerment of their parents who hail from the Dalit community.
Dalits are at the bottom of the centuries-old Hindu caste hierarchy. They are often treated as social outcasts, lacking education, social welfare schemes, and employment opportunities.
Besides social exclusion, they face abuse, caste-based discrimination, and exploitation that goes against their dignity, human rights and well being.
Over the years, the nun has received many awards from the public and private sectors for her work.
This year’s winners of the Drivers of Change 2025 are incredible individuals who have pioneered their respective fields in an ever-developing country.
The 15 extraordinary achievers, who through their work are reshaping the future of India, the organizers said.
