Awards and Recognitions
At Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific, we take great pride in celebrating the people who make our mission possible. Our volunteers and officers give their time, skills, and hearts to strengthen our community and promote good values. Their stories reflect our shared values of service, learning, equality, and compassion. They embody the spirit of Engage, Educate, Empower, and Enlighten.
The BSAPAC Jewel Awards
Jewel Awards: Celebrating Those Who Make Our Charity Crown Shine
Just as a crown is made magnificent by the precious jewels that adorn it, our outstanding officers are the jewels that give our Charity its strength, character and brilliance. Presented every two years at the Asia Pacific Basava Convention, the Jewel Awards recognise BSAPAC officers who have gone above and beyond the expectations of their roles to make Basava Samiti Asia Pacific stronger, more meaningful and more impactful.
The awards honour individuals whose contribution reflects dedication, service, leadership, initiative, integrity and selflessness — people who step forward, take ownership, support others and create a lasting positive impact
Importantly, these awards recognise contributions that often extend beyond personal circumstances, professional commitments and the challenges of everyday life. Despite the demands of work, family and personal responsibilities, these individuals have continued to give their time, energy and skills to serve others and advance the work of our Charity. Their commitment demonstrates that meaningful service is not measured by convenience, but by the willingness to contribute even when circumstances are challenging.
2025 Jewel Award Winners: Mr. Vikas Chinchansur (Canberra), Mrs.Amanda Savita Alexander (Canberra), Ms. Raksha Ganiger (Adelaide), Mrs. Vijayalaxmi Boya (Sydney).
2025 Sharana Satsevaka Award Winners: Mrs. Amanda Savita Alexander (Canberra), Mr.Rudresh Kittur (India), Mrs. Vigya Chourishi Gudi (Perth)
2023 Jewel Award Winners: Mr. Linden May, Brisbane,Australia; Mr. Pramod Nagaraj, Perth, Australia; Ms. Dan Wu, Adelaide, Australia; Dr. Danamma Zalaki, Belagavi, India
Research and Creativity
Through our Biennial Research Award, we recognise scholars advancing Guru Basava’s philosophy in today’s world. Artists and thinkers are also celebrated for their creative expressions that bring Basava’s teachings to life through art, literature, and reflection.
2023 Research Award winner: Mr. Avinash Kavi, Belagavi, India
Living with Values - Vachana Jeevana 2025
BSAPAC introduced the first ever Vachana Jeevana competition in 2025 in the lead up to the 2nd Asia Pacific Basava Convention. This competition is independent of age, gender, ethnicity and is open to all Chapters and beyond.
Mrs. Aishwarya Goudadi from Perth won first place for her reflective journal on living with compassion and integrity, and Dr. Shubha Shivateja, Perth bagged the runner-up award for her inspiring account of applying compassion in her professional and personal life.
Recognition Beyond Basava Samiti Asia Pacific
Our volunteers continue to shine beyond our own walls. From finalists at national not-for-profit technology awards to recognition by the Indian Society of Western Australia, their achievements remind us that the power of service extends far into the wider community.
Channel 7 Community Achievement Awards
Girija was nominated twice to the Channel 7 awards in two separate categories in 2023 and 2025. The Quota Beenleigh Leadership Award is presented as part of the Queensland Community Achievement Awards, recognising individuals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and make a meaningful difference within their communities.
The Diversity Australia & New Zealand Diversity and Inclusion Award recognises individuals and organisations that demonstrate a strong commitment to diversity, equality and inclusion, and actively contribute to creating more inclusive communities.
Finalist: Technology Volunteer Of The Year (Individual) 2026 Australian Not-for-Profit Technology Awards
Mrs. Ammara Shaheer, Program Manager and Data Analytics Trainer for the Learn2Grow Program, was shortlisted as the finalist for the Technology Volunteer of the Year at the Infoxchange Australian Not‑for‑Profit Technology Awards 2026 in Melbourne on the 7th May 2026.
Since joining us in June 2025, Ammara has brought extraordinary dedication to her dual role of delivering high‑quality data analytics training particularly in Power BI and managing the systems, policies and learner support that keep the Learn2Grow Program running smoothly.
Finalist Not For Profit, Technology Award Finalist: Technology Volunteer Of The Year (Individual) 2023 Australian Not-for-Profit Technology Awards
Mr. Pramod Nagaraj (Perth), was recognised as the Finalist Tech Volunteer 2023 at the Australian Not-for-Profit Technology Awards 2023 Pan Pacific Melbourne, 2 Convention Centre Pl, on 11 May 2023.
International Women in Cyber Day Canberra Awards 2025
Basava Samiti of Asia Pacific Ltd is proud to celebrate our Chief Risk Officer, Mrs.Amanda Savita Alexander, on her nomination for the Cyber Catalyst Award at this year’s International Women in Cyber Day Canberra Awards.
The Cyber Catalyst Award recognises emerging professionals with fewer than five years’ experience who are already driving change.
Common Wealth Bank: Not-for-Profit Treasurers' Awards Nomination
Mr. Arunkumar J L was nominated for his responsiveness, due diligence, proactive and precision in his role and going above and beyond the role of the Treasurer and filling the gaps of the committee as required. Arun’s diligence and precision to processes has contributed to strengthening the governance and mitigating the risks associated for the Charity.
Indian Society of Western Australia Award 2023: Perth
Basava Samithi of Asia Pacific, Perth Chapter Inc. was awarded the outstanding “Indian Society of Western Australia Volunteer Award 2023” at the Indian Society of Western Australia (ISWA) Diwali Mela event 2023 on November 4, 2023.
The award was presented by Dr Jags Krishnan, MLA in the presence of Hon Dr Tony Buti, MLA, Minister for Education; Aboriginal Affairs; Citizenship and Multicultural Interests, representing the Hon Premier and several distinguished guests.
