Bureau Report: Kolkata, WestBengal
Kolkata, June 4, 2026 – In a ceremony that celebrated the timeless values of peace, compassion, and humanitarian service, Dr. Arpita Mitra, an acclaimed public health researcher and social development professional, was conferred the prestigious International Buddha Peace Award 2026. The grand ceremony, held at Rabindra Tirtha Auditorium in New Town, Kolkata, brought together distinguished academicians, policymakers, social leaders, development practitioners, and eminent personalities from across sectors.
The award was presented by Shri Dilip Ghosh, Hon’ble Minister for Panchayats & Rural Development, Agricultural Marketing, and Animal Resources Development, Government of West Bengal. The event was organized by the Maitry Peace Foundation, under the leadership of its President, Surajit Barua, whose continued efforts in promoting peace, social harmony, and humanitarian values have significantly strengthened the Foundation’s outreach and impact across communities. Inspired by the timeless teachings of Gautama Buddha, the ceremony sought to recognize individuals whose professional achievements and public contributions have advanced the cause of social development, community welfare, and human dignity.
A Recognition Rooted in Buddhist Values
The International Buddha Peace Award recognizes individuals whose work exemplifies the values of peace, compassion, social responsibility, humanitarian service, and sustainable community development. The award is built upon the enduring principles of compassion, understanding, and non-violence—values that remain as relevant today as they were in the time of the Buddha.
As noted by dignitaries at various award ceremonies, Buddha’s teachings offer a powerful antidote to contemporary global challenges. In an address at a related event, a Governor emphasized: “In these times of global conflict and suffering, the wisdom of Buddha shines as a beacon of hope, guiding us toward mindfulness, compassion, and positive change”. The award, therefore, is not merely a recognition of individual achievement but a celebration of the values that bind societies together—values that inspire collective effort toward a more peaceful and harmonious world.
A Career of Purpose and Impact
Dr. Mitra was selected for this prestigious honour in recognition of her outstanding contributions towards improving the lives of marginalized and vulnerable communities through research-driven interventions, policy advocacy, public health initiatives, and grassroots development programmes. With more than a decade of professional experience, she has established herself as a leading figure in the fields of public health, social research, community development, tribal welfare, women’s empowerment, and livelihood promotion.
Her work has addressed critical social and health challenges including HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, maternal and child health, tobacco control, tribal health, climate resilience, livelihood generation, youth development, and social inclusion. Throughout her distinguished career, she has successfully led and contributed to numerous national and international projects supported by prestigious organizations including the World Health Organization (WHO), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Johns Hopkins University, and The International Union Against Tuberculosis and Lung Disease, alongside several governmental and non-governmental institutions.
Her research and field interventions have significantly contributed to evidence-based policymaking, public health advancement, and sustainable development practices across India. She has authored and co-authored numerous research publications in reputed national and international journals and has presented her work at several scientific conferences and policy forums. Her contributions continue to influence public health discourse and strengthen the connection between research, policy, and community welfare.
Empowering Women Against All Odds
Perhaps the most remarkable chapter of Dr. Mitra’s professional journey has been her leadership in implementing Women Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Development Programmes across various districts of West Bengal, supported by the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME), Government of India.
At a time when socio-political circumstances presented significant challenges, Dr. Mitra demonstrated exceptional courage, resilience, and visionary leadership. Despite numerous administrative, social, and institutional barriers, she successfully mobilized women from marginalized and economically disadvantaged communities throughout West Bengal, fostering entrepreneurship, promoting self-reliance, and creating sustainable livelihood opportunities.
Through her tireless efforts, hundreds of women were encouraged to develop entrepreneurial skills, access income-generating opportunities, and emerge as confident leaders within their communities. Her work not only strengthened women’s economic empowerment but also contributed to inclusive grassroots development, social equity, and community transformation across the state. Her unwavering commitment proved that genuine development transcends political and social divides and remains firmly rooted in the empowerment and upliftment of people.
Bridging Research and Community Action
Beyond her research achievements and development initiatives, Dr. Mitra has played a vital role in conducting capacity-building programmes, training young researchers, promoting livelihood generation, supporting climate adaptation initiatives, and advocating for social justice and equitable development. Her ability to bridge academic research with practical community action has positively impacted countless individuals and communities, making her a respected voice in both academic and development sectors.
Her work embodies a holistic approach to development—one that recognizes the interconnectedness of health, economic empowerment, social justice, and environmental sustainability. This comprehensive perspective has made her interventions more effective and sustainable, creating lasting change in the communities she serves.
A Humble Acceptance and Renewed Commitment
Receiving the honour, Dr. Mitra expressed her heartfelt gratitude and reaffirmed her commitment to serving society:
“I am deeply humbled and honoured to receive the International Buddha Peace Award 2026. This recognition is not merely a personal achievement; it represents the collective aspirations of the communities, women, researchers, social workers, and development practitioners with whom I have worked throughout my journey. It inspires me to continue contributing towards public health, women’s empowerment, social justice, community development, and inclusive growth for a better and more equitable future.”
Her words reflect the humility and dedication that have defined her career—a career built not on personal ambition but on a genuine desire to serve the most vulnerable members of society.
The Broader Significance of the Award
The International Buddha Peace Award stands as a beacon of recognition for individuals who embody the spirit of service, leadership, and compassion. It highlights the enduring impact of such efforts on communities and the nation. Past ceremonies have seen the honour bestowed upon luminaries from various fields who have made significant contributions to peace, social justice, and empowerment.
The ceremony in Kolkata was further marked by the special felicitation of Shri Dilip Ghosh and several newly elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs), acknowledging their continued service in public life and their contribution to democratic institutions and community development. Addressing the gathering, speakers underscored the enduring relevance of Buddha’s message of compassion, tolerance, and peaceful coexistence in addressing contemporary social and global challenges. They emphasized the importance of collaborative leadership, ethical governance, and civic responsibility in building inclusive and resilient communities.
An Inspiration for Future Generations
The International Buddha Peace Award 2026 stands as a recognition of Dr. Arpita Mitra’s remarkable journey of academic excellence, humanitarian service, women’s empowerment, and community leadership. Her unwavering commitment to creating positive social change, empowering vulnerable populations, and advancing sustainable development continues to inspire future generations of researchers, social leaders, and development professionals.
Through her relentless dedication, visionary leadership, and service to humanity, Dr. Arpita Mitra has emerged as a symbol of empowerment, resilience, and social transformation—embodying the very values of peace, compassion, and community service that the International Buddha Peace Award seeks to celebrate.
As the ceremony concluded, it left attendees with a renewed call to uphold the principles of peace, compassion, and service, reaffirming the collective responsibility of institutions and individuals in fostering a more harmonious, inclusive, and progressive society. In Dr. Mitra’s achievements, we find not just a story of individual success, but a powerful testament to what can be accomplished when knowledge, compassion, and unwavering commitment unite in service of the greater good.
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