Eminent Changemaker Conferred with Lifetime Achievement Award at International ‘Children Matter Forum’ in Kochi

KOCHI, India — In a ceremony celebrating global advocacy for child welfare and substance abuse prevention, the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award, instituted by the Fourth Wave Foundation, was conferred at the Children Matter Forum. The international gathering was co-organised in partnership with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The award was formally presented by the Honourable Chief Minister of Kerala, Adv. V. D. Satheesan, following the official announcement by Mrs. Diana Vincent, Managing Trustee of the Fourth Wave Foundation. The honour was met with warm applause from an international audience of policymakers, social innovators, and delegates.

The event was graced by a distinguished lineup of national and international dignitaries, including:

• Mr. Billy Batware, United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Vienna

• Mr. Hibi Eden, Member of Parliament

• Mr. Esbjörn Hörnberg, Former President, World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD), Sweden

• Mr. S. D. Shibulal, Co-founder and Former CEO, Infosys

• Mrs. Kumari Shibulal, Chairperson, Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI), India

• Mr. C. C. Joseph, Executive Director, Fourth Wave Foundation

• Dr. K. Ampady, IIS, CEO, BioNest

• Mr. Stephen Devassy, Renowned Music Director

• Mr. Kunchacko Boban, Acclaimed Film Actor and Producer

Sharing the platform among the distinguished cohort of honourees were Mr. Akira Fujino (President, Drug Abuse Prevention Centre, Japan), Dr. Rogers Kasirye (Executive Director, Uganda Youth Development Link, Uganda), and Mrs. Swarna Bhat (Grameena Mahila Okkuta / Grameena Mooli Mika Sangathan, Karnataka).

Expressing profound gratitude upon receiving the accolade, the recipient attributed the milestone to divine grace and the unwavering support of colleagues, mentors, and well-wishers. Reaffirming a lifelong dedication to social impact, the honouree noted that the recognition serves as a renewed call to continue serving society with passion, conviction, and commitment.