New Delhi March 1 : Dr. Rakesh Singh, mentor at Manjari Foundation, has been selected for the आचार्य काका साहेब कालेलकर स्मृति सम्मान-2024 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to social service and women empowerment.
Announcing the 10th Acharya Kaka Saheb Kalelkar Memorial Awards, Kusum Shah, President of Gandhi Hindustani Sahitya Sabha, highlighted that the 2024 awardees are individuals of exceptional talent and dedication.
The distinguished recipients include:
Nakul Ganeshbhai Waghela (Ahmedabad) – Journalism
Praveen Dutt Sharma (Faridabad) – Satire & Journalism
Dr. Kavita Arora (Bareilly) – Education & Literature
Sulochana Verma (Noida) – Translation, Art & Literature
Dr. Rakesh Singh (Delhi) – Social Service & Women Empowerment
Prabhakar Pandey (Faridabad) – Music (Singing & Tabla)
These individuals will be honored for their dedication at a formal ceremony on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at Gandhi Hindustani Sahitya Sabha’s Prarthana Bhavan in Delhi.
Uthori Campaign: A Movement for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment
The word “Uthori” is derived from two elements: “Uth” ( उठ) meaning to rise or awaken, symbolizing awareness and action, and “Ori” ( ओरी), a Rajasthani term referring to a small room, courtyard, or a private space, representing domestic and social boundaries. Additionally, “Ori” is a respectful form of address for women in Bundelkhand, signifying reverence and nurturing authority.
Thus, “Uthori Abhiyan” represents a movement to uplift women and adolescent girls, empowering them to break free from traditional constraints and claim their rightful place in society. The campaign fosters leadership among women, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to challenge gender inequality, domestic violence, and other social barriers.
The Uthori Campaign’s Vision and Reach
The Uthori Campaign, conceptualized by Dr. Rakesh Singh Rawat and led by the Manjari Foundation, is a transformative initiative advancing gender equality across various districts. It aims to challenge deeply ingrained biases, educate women and adolescent girls, and equip them with the resources to address domestic violence and attain empowerment in all aspects of life.
Uthori Committees and Grassroots Impact
The campaign has trained over 54,000 women in gender sensitivity. At the grassroots level, 209 Uthori sub-committees operate within village organizations, along with 11-member leadership committees at the federation level. These committees actively identify and address women’s issues, ensuring timely interventions and sustainable solutions. The Uthori Campaign is actively implemented in Rajasthan, Bundelkhand, and Uttarakhand under the Manjari Foundation, with ongoing expansion efforts to impact more states and communities.
Profile of Dr. Rakesh Singh
Dr. Rakesh Singh is a distinguished educationist, curriculum expert, and social activist, with over three decades of experience in education, curriculum development, gender sensitivity, and social programs.
He holds a Ph.D. from the University of Delhi and has pursued advanced studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) and Delhi University. His professional journey includes leadership roles such as:
Head of Education, Gender & Youth at Manjari Foundation
Consultant for UN-Women
Senior Language Expert for Bharatiya Bhasha Samiti (Ministry of Education, Government of India)
Former Head of a Government School
In 2017, he voluntarily resigned from his government position to fully dedicate himself to the upliftment of tribal and underprivileged communities. His Uthori Abhiyaan has directly engaged over 24,000 rural women and reached more than 200,000 individuals, fostering awareness on gender and social issues.
Dr. Singh has also played a crucial role in the Learning Labs Initiative in tribal areas under Manjari Foundation, reinforcing his commitment to inclusive education and social development.
Contributions and Achievements
Dr. Rakesh expertise in education policy, curriculum design, and multilingual education has led to significant contributions, including:
Authorship of Several textbooks for Gove. Institutions.
Development of pedagogical manuals
Innovative learning methodologies focused on skill integration and social inclusion
His outstanding work has earned him several State-Level Awards for excellence in education and social service.
Beyond academia, he is also an accomplished writer, researcher, and e-resource developer, with collaborations with global organizations such as UNESCO, UNICEF, and the Ministry of Environment and Forests. His efforts continue to shape progressive education policies and foster social transformation on a national scale.
