🌟 Honouring Humanity and Healing: Jan Mitra Nyas Recognised as a Pillar of Excellence in Public Health and Justice 🌟

“In service to humanity, health and justice are not separate paths — they are one and the same.”

This truth came alive on 6th July 2025, in the historic city of Varanasi, as Jan Mitra Nyas (JMN), a public charitable trust rooted in grassroots empowerment, was honoured by Dainik Jagran-Inext, India’s leading Hindi daily. The occasion: the Health Icon Awards 2025, an evening dedicated to celebrating those who serve as the lifeline of the nation — our doctors — and those who work tirelessly to bring equity, healing, and hope to the margins of society.

🏆 A Citation of Deep Respect

The citation bestowed upon Jan Mitra Nyas read:

“Dainik Jagran Inext Pariwar thank you Jan Mitra Nyas with gratitude and deep appreciation for being a robust consociate in this dynamic pursuit of creating excellence. You are not just a partner, but an important member of the Dainik Jagran-Inext family.”

— Alok Sanwal, CEO, Dainik Jagran-Inext

This recognition stands as a testament to JMN’s unwavering commitment to grassroots health and justice, especially in the rehabilitation of survivors of torture, bonded labour, and caste- and gender-based violence.

🌿 Honour to a Healer and Human Rights Defender

The honour was received by Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi, founder of Jan Mitra Nyas, whose journey merges the art of healing with the call of justice. A graduate in Ayurveda, Modern Medicine, and Surgery (1993) from Gurukul Kangari, Haridwar, Dr. Raghuvanshi embodies a rare synthesis of traditional medicine, modern science, and human rights advocacy.

The award was presented by Dr. Mangala Singh, Additional Director of Health, Government of Uttar Pradesh, and Dr. S. K. Agrawal, former professor at IMS-BHU — both stalwarts in public health.

Present at the event were key members of the JMN family: Shruti Nagvanshi, Rinku Pandey, and Ashish Pandey, all vital in steering the organisation's community-focused health and dignity initiatives.

🩺 Healing as Resistance: Doctors as Defenders of Justice

This year’s Health Icon Awards celebrated the 20 most outstanding doctors of Varanasi, recognising them not just for their clinical excellence, but for their compassionate engagement with the marginalized. These doctors — many of whom assist in the forensic documentation of torture, provide psychosocial care, and support community rehabilitation — are key partners in the broader movement for justice and peace.

Their contributions resonate with SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-Being) and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions), showcasing how medicine becomes a bridge between physical care and human rights.

🎥 The Voice of the Survivors: A Documentary of Truth

A powerful documentary produced by IRCT (International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims), Denmark, was screened during the event. It told the story of Jan Mitra Nyas and PVCHR’s 30-year struggle to restore human dignity and justice to the oppressed.

In the words of Dr. Lenin, featured in the film:

“Poverty, caste system, patriarchy — these are the root causes of torture and organized violence in India. When you give humanitarian support with the active participation of the survivor, you create Hope, Honour, and Human Dignity — the three Hs of healing.”

The documentary recounted how PVCHR and its allies have freed over 40,000 bonded labourers and supported more than 300,000 survivors of violence, making it one of the largest survivor-led movements in South Asia.

👣 Youth on the Frontlines

Adding vibrancy to the event was the presence of JMN and PVCHR interns — Sanjana Shukla, Khushi Yadav, Aditya Mishra, and Ankit Singh — who supported the documentation and captured stunning visuals. Their presence symbolised a generational shift: young changemakers ready to carry the baton of justice, health, and compassion forward.

Toward a Torture-Free, Healthy India

As the title sponsor of the event, Jan Mitra Nyas reaffirmed its commitment to the Prime Minister’s vision of a Fit and Healthy India, but through the lens of inclusion, equity, and human rights. This partnership between media, civil society, and the medical community holds the potential to shape a new public health narrative — one that is people-centred, dignity-driven, and justice-oriented.

✨ Conclusion: The Power of Partnership

This recognition is not just an award; it is a symbol of collective resolve — of doctors, activists, media professionals, and survivors — to heal India’s deepest wounds with empathy, evidence, and empowerment.

As Jan Mitra Nyas continues its journey, this moment will be remembered as a milestone where health met hope, and partnership became a path to transformation.

📌 Linked to UN Sustainable Development Goals:

• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-Being

• SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions

• SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals

🖋️ Authored by:
Editorial Team, Jan Mitra Nyas
📍 Varanasi – Where Tradition Meets Transformation