Pune: Zeeshan Kaskar from The Wire and Shaila Yadav from Aundh, Satara, have been honoured with the prestigious Comrade Ashok Manohar Yuva Urja Award for their “significant contributions to society.” Instituted in 2012, this award was introduced by the late activist and rationalist Govind Pansare. It celebrates the dedication of young activists in advocating for justice and empowerment in marginalised communities.Shaila Yadav’s advocacy has been instrumental in raising awareness about governmental schemes and socio-political rights for Nomadic Tribes across Maharashtra. Zeeshan Kaskar’s video journalism on The Wire has shed light on the dangers of religious intolerance and Hindutva politics, notably through his acclaimed ‘Naf Rath’ video series. His poignant storytelling, depicting the struggles of marginalised groups, resonated deeply with the Comrade Ashok Manohar Yuva Urja Award jury, leading to his selection for this prestigious honour.Comrade Ashok Manohar was a dedicated activist known for his staunch advocacy for social justice and his unwavering commitment to the rights of marginalised groups in Maharashtra.The award ceremony, held at the Shivajinagar Shramik Bhavan on March 2, Saturday evening, witnessed the felicitation of Zeeshan and Shaila by veteran journalist Raju Parulekar. In her address, Shaila Yadav shared her inspiring journey from Aundh, reflecting on her resilience in overcoming obstacles to pursue education and advocate for the rights of displaced indigenous communities. Zeeshan Kaskar, in his speech, highlighted the growing spectre of communalism and divisions in India, drawing from his experiences while covering sensitive issues.The event was presided by Dr. Anjali Sathe, President of Comrade Ashok Manohar Yuva Urja Award. In her statement, Dr Sathe said that Zeeshan’s “courage to confront the venomous tendencies of religious fanaticism through impactful video journalism deserves commendation.”She went on to say that the goal of this award is to recognise and honour the efforts of young activists who are working tirelessly to counteract the divisive forces of religious hatred. Through this recognition, we aim to inspire and encourage other young activists to follow in their footsteps and continue their noble endeavours in promoting unity, understanding, and social justice within our communities.