Correct Answer : Option (A) - Avantika Vandanapu

Indian-American actress Avantika Vandanapu, best known for her role as Karen Shetty in the 2024 musical comedy “Mean Girls,” has been honored with the prestigious “South Asian Person of the Year” award by Harvard University.

This accolade recognizes Vandanapu’s outstanding contributions to the arts and her role in promoting South Asian representation in global media.

A Multifaceted Talent :

* At just 19 years old, Avantika Vandanapu has already made a significant impact in the entertainment industry. Beyond her standout performance in the “Mean Girls” adaptation, the actress has also made her OTT debut in the Indian series “Big Girls Don’t Cry,” showcasing her versatility and range as a performer.

* Vandanapu’s journey to recognition has been marked by a deep passion for the arts, which she cultivated from a young age. Born to a Telugu-speaking Indian family in California, the actress began her training in drama at the renowned American Conservatory Theater, honing her craft and preparing for the exciting opportunities that lay ahead.

Early Achievements and Breakthrough Roles :

* Vandanapu’s talent and dedication were evident from an early age. In 2014, she captured the attention of audiences by winning second place in the “Dance India Dance L’il Masters (North America Edition)” competition, demonstrating her exceptional skills in the realm of dance as well.

* The following year, Vandanapu made her official debut in the Telugu film industry, starring in the movie “Brahmotsavam” alongside established Bollywood stars such as Mahesh Babu, Kajal Aggarwal, Samantha, and Pranitha Subhash. This early foray into the Indian film industry paved the way for her subsequent success.

Breakthrough on the Global Stage :

* Vandanapu’s big break came in 2021 when she landed the lead role of Rhea Kumar in the Disney film “Spin.” Sharing the screen with renowned actors like Meera Syal and Abhay Deol, Vandanapu showcased her acting prowess and ability to captivate audiences on an international stage.

* The success of “Spin” and Vandanapu’s acclaimed performance in the film set the stage for her latest and most notable role in the 2024 adaptation of “Mean Girls.” As Karen Shetty, Vandanapu has not only demonstrated her exceptional acting skills but has also played a pivotal role in enhancing South Asian representation in mainstream Hollywood productions.

The Significance of the “South Asian Person of the Year” Award :

* Vandanapu’s recognition as the “South Asian Person of the Year” by Harvard University is a testament to the impact she has made in the entertainment industry and beyond. This prestigious award not only celebrates her individual achievements but also highlights the importance of diverse representation and the power of storytelling that transcends cultural boundaries.

* In her acceptance speech, Vandanapu expressed her gratitude and the profound significance of this honor, stating, “Receiving this award from an institution as esteemed as Harvard University is incredibly humbling and beyond inspiring. This award is not just a recognition of my work, but it shines a light on the importance of storytelling that crosses borders and the vital role of Indian representation in global media.”

Correct Answer : Option (D) - Jain Acharya Lokesh Muni

The American President’s Volunteer Service Award was established in 2003 during George Bush’s presidency. The award is given to individuals who have provided at least 500 hours of voluntary service in the United States and whose work has positively impacted communities and inspired those around them.

Jain Acharya Lokesh Muni has become the first Indian monk to be honoured with the American President’s Gold Volunteer Service Award. The award recognizes Acharya Lokesh Muni’s contribution to the public good and humanity.

The Award Ceremony :

* The award ceremony was held in Capitol Hill, Washington, D.C.
* U.S. Congressman Brad Sherman read the certificate and citation issued by American President Joe Biden.
* President Joe Biden congratulated Acharya Lokesh Muni and appreciated his humanitarian work and service to humanity.

Acharya Lokesh Muni’s Acceptance Speech :

* In his award acceptance speech, Acharya Lokesh Muni expressed his pride in being honored with the American Presidential Award.
* He stated that the honor is a recognition of Indian culture, spiritual values, and the Jain principles of Lord Mahavir.

About Acharya Lokesh Muni

* Acharya Lokesh Muni is a follower of the Jain religion founded by Lord Mahavira.
* He is a thinker, writer, poet, and social reformer who has been continuously working to build national character, develop human values, and establish non-violence, peace, and mutual cooperation in society.

Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati :

* Acharya Lokesh Muni founded the Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati in Gurugram, Haryana.
* The Ahimsa Vishwa Bharati focuses on the four global pillars of non-violence, peace, harmony, and brotherhood in line with Lord Mahavira’s teachings and Indian cultural norms.

The Significance of Capitol Hill and the White House :

* Capitol Hill is the home of the legislative branch of the United States federal government, including the Senate and the House of Representatives.
* It is often referred to as the symbol of U.S. democracy and houses the Library of Congress.
* The White House, on the other hand, is the office and residence of the U.S. President, distinct from Capitol Hill.

Correct Answer : Option (A) - Dr. Gagandeep Kang

Dr. Gagandeep Kang, an Indian researcher, has been awarded the 2024 John Dirks Canada Gairdner Global Health Award for her achievements in global health research.

Gairdner Foundation’s 2024 Awardees :

The Gairdner Foundation announced its 2024 Canada Gairdner Award winners, recognizing some of the world’s most significant biomedical and global health research and discoveries.

Dr. Kang’s Contributions and Impact :

* The Foundation awarded Dr. Kang “for extensive cohort-based epidemiological, environmental and clinical trial research on enteric diseases in children and their effects on life course, with significant impact on vaccine development and health policy in India and internationally.”

* Dr. Kang’s research group has established substantial community-based birth cohort studies addressing childhood enteric infections, growth, and development for over 20 years.

* Her work has generated extensive information on the complex interactions between the environment and infections in children, and the influence of prior infections on subsequent responses to vaccination.

* Kang conducted the largest single birth cohort study on rotaviral infections in the world, demonstrating that protection after a natural infection is lower in India than in developed countries, which has important implications for disease control through vaccination.

* She has led studies that contributed to the development and introduction of two Indian rotavirus vaccines into the national immunization program.

Other 2024 Canada Gairdner Award Laureates

* The other 2024 Canada Gairdner International Award laureates were recognized for their work in areas such as CAR T cell therapy for cancer, DNA sequencing technology, and understanding the impact of human breast milk on the infant microbiome.

* The 2024 Canada Gairdner Momentum Award went to mid-career investigators, including Meghan Azad and Christian Landry, for their exceptional scientific research contributions with continued potential for impact on human health.