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About the Manya Ratna Award

Indigenous communities are the original inhabitants of our land—children of nature and citizens who share the same soil and heritage. Despite possessing rich cultural wisdom and deep ecological knowledge, they have historically endured severe social exploitation and exclusion. For centuries, many tribal groups have been deprived of basic civic amenities and kept distant from mainstream social, educational, and economic opportunities.

Yet, in the face of these challenges, countless individuals from Scheduled Tribes have risen with remarkable resilience and determination. Their achievements—earned despite adversity—are powerful symbols of strength, talent, and perseverance. Celebrating these success stories not only honors exceptional individuals but also provides inspiration for younger generations and helps build a positive societal perception of tribal communities and their immense potential.

 

The Manya Ratna Award

To encourage leadership, celebrate excellence, and highlight contributions within tribal communities, Manyapragathi instituted the annual Manya Ratna Award in 2018.
This prestigious recognition is dedicated exclusively to Indigenous achievers who have made significant contributions to the welfare, empowerment, and development of tribal people.

The award honors individuals whose outstanding achievements:

• Positively impact the tribal community

• Inspire others to lead, uplift, and serve

• Demonstrate excellence combined with a commitment to Indigenous advancement

Honorees may come from diverse fields such as education, arts, sports, public service, culture, social service, or any area that contributes meaningfully to tribal development.

 

Nomination & Selection Process

• No formal recommendations are required for the Manya Ratna Award.

• Only one award may be presented in a given year.

• The selection is based on information submitted through the nomination form and verified through authentic sources.

The evaluation process includes two stages:

1. Screening Committee

   • Reviews all nominations

   • Evaluates eligibility and ranks candidates

2. Final Selection Committee

   • Receives recommendations from the screening stage

   • Makes the final decision on the awardee

The committee emphasizes lifetime achievement, with a clear focus on extraordinary contributions to Indigenous communities. The award recognizes exceptional service, not merely long service or routine excellence. The criterion is excellence plus—distinguished, impactful work that creates lasting benefits.

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 The award includes a Manya Ratna Certificate containing the citation, and Memento.