New Delhi. The SAARC Foundation established in Sri Lanka has honored various individuals from Nepal, India, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka who have contributed to democracy, human rights and freedom of the press and expression with the South Asian Hero Award 2026.They were honored during a special program organized at Hotel Crowne Plaza in New Delhi, India on Friday evening. Among those honored are International President of SAARC Journalists Forum Raju Lama (Nepal), General Secretary Md. Abdur Rahman (Bangladesh), and Member Smita Mishra (India).
Giving a brief response after the honor, International President of SAARC Journalists Forum Lama said that such an honor would add energy to journalists to advocate for democracy, human rights and press freedom. He said that the SAARC Journalists Forum has been advocating for peace, democracy and press freedom.
Similarly, dozens of individuals including Rudra Subedi, Nripendra Lal Shrestha, Azmat Ali Siddiqui of SAARC Journalists Forum Nepal, Aniruddha Sudhanshu of India, Dr. Shashi Bhushan Kumar, Rahul Samantha of Sri Lanka and others have been honored with the South Asian Hero-2026.
SAARC Foundation President Dr. Amila Moremada said that his organization will honor individuals who have contributed to democracy, human rights, and freedom of press and expression in South Asia in the coming days as well.
He said that Foundation has been working to protect democracy, human rights, and freedom of press and expression in South Asia.
