The Karmaveer Awards are a series of prestigious honors that recognize individuals for their exceptional courage, commitment, and proactive efforts as CHAMIONS OF CHANGE to drive positive social change and to people who are changing mindsets by pursuing their passion and creating their own path. These awards (inspired by Dashrath Manjhi- The mountain man who Jerry met in 2003 by coincidence while researching the Musahar Community in Bihar) are instituted by the International Confederation of NGOs (iCONGO) in partnership with the United Nations and are presented globally to celebrate those who "walk the path less trodden" and inspire societal transformation of mindsets. In Summary, the Karmaveer Awards are global and national honors that celebrate individuals who have shown extraordinary courage and commitment to creating a better world. By recognizing real-life heroes and promoting the "Power of One," these awards inspire others to take action for social justice, sustainability, and inclusive progress. More details are on www.karmaveerawards.com

Types and Hierarchy of Awards: There are several categories under the Karmaveer Awards umbrella, each with its own focus and eligibility criteria:

• Karmaveer Chakra Award: A global civilian honor recognizing unwavering bravery and commitment to social causes. It is awarded to individuals worldwide for their impactful contributions in fields such as activism, education, volunteering, and healthcare and all other fields.
• Karmaveer Puraskaar (KVP): National awards for social justice and citizen action, specifically recognizing Indian citizens who have made significant efforts to promote social justice through individual action. These awards are given annually on November 26, commemorating India's adoption of its constitutional pledge as a republic in 1949.
• Karmaveer Jyoti, Karmaveer Maharatna and Karmaveer Prerana: Another category within the awards, details of which are less widely publicized but form part of the overall recognition structure and given to people for their lifetime achievements or lifelong fight for social justice.

Hierarchy of Karmaveer Chakra Awards
The Karmaveer Chakra Awards are conferred in different levels beginning with shite, red and blue medals for students who are then graduated to :

• Bronze: Open to nominations by all fellows and citizens, including self-nominations, subject to council approval.
• Silver: Nominations may be proposed by fellows and selected by the council; self-nominations are not accepted.
• Gold: Nominations are proposed and chosen strictly by a council of fellows; self-nominations are not accepted.

Purpose and Impact: The core aim of the Karmaveer Awards is to recognize, encourage, and celebrate individuals who have demonstrated relentless courage and have initiated waves of change in society. The awards highlight the importance of individual action—often by unsung heroes—towards social justice, volunteerism, sustainability, and community development. Notable recipients include activists, entrepreneurs, educators, and grassroots leaders who have championed causes such as ecological farming, waste management, gender equality, and inclusive education. The awards also serve as a platform for knowledge sharing and inspiration, notably through the REX Ideas for Action movement and the REX Karmaveer Global Fellowship, which bring together changemakers from around the world. Established in 2003, the Karmaveer Awards have become a respected symbol of social leadership, with past awardees often featured in international media and serving as ambassadors for global causes. The awards also pay tribute to Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, who supported the initiative as an ambassador for volunteering and social change.