Mumbai, September 12, 2025 – Dr. Huzaifa Khorakiwala, Executive Director of Wockhardt, CEO of Wockhardt Foundation, Founder of the I Am Peacekeeper movement and a renowned humanitarian, peace advocate, and visionary healthcare leader, has been honoured with the distinguished Vivekananda International Relations (VIR) Peace Award 2025. Presented by the Chakra Foundation in association with The Times of India, the ceremony took place at the iconic Crystal Room, The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai, in the esteemed presence of eminent global dignitaries, spiritual leaders, and policymakers. Padma Vibhushan Shri Man Mohan Sharma graced the event as Chief Guest, marking a landmark celebration of India’s enduring legacy of peace and global goodwill.
Dr. Huzaifa Khorakiwala was honoured for his unwavering dedication to humanitarian service, peace-building, and transformative leadership in healthcare and community development. Through his impactful work with the Wockhardt Foundation, he has empowered millions across India with innovative programs in education, sanitation, and social welfare, standing tall as a global beacon of compassion and inclusive progress.
Reflecting on the award, Dr. Huzaifa said, “This recognition is a profound reminder of the timeless values Swami Vivekananda championed. I accept this not as an individual accolade but on behalf of all those who tirelessly work for peace, equity, and human dignity worldwide. True peace begins within each individual, through compassion, humility, and respect for all. It is a call to awaken the spirit of coexistence and healing that transcends boundaries. This award reinforces my belief that the highest form of service is one dedicated to uplifting humanity and fostering harmony in a world often divided.”
Following last year’s felicitation of Shri Ratan Tata with the Lifetime Achievement Award, this second edition of the VIR Peace Awards pays tribute to extraordinary Indian leaders who embody the spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam — “the world is one family.” The VIR Peace Awards trace their inspiration to Swami Vivekananda’s historic 1893 address at the Parliament of the World’s Religions in Chicago, where he introduced India’s timeless message of peace, unity, and universal harmony to the world.
The 2025 VIR Peace Awards also honoured distinguished leaders, including Mata Amritanandamayi, Shri Baba Kalyani, Shri Vikram Shroff, Shri Ashok Jain, Shri Madhukar Parekh, Shri Vishwas Jain, and Shri Vishal Chordiya, among others.
By spotlighting resilience, vision, and selfless service, the VIR Awards reaffirm India’s critical role on the global stage as a guiding light for peace and harmony. Dr. Huzaifa’s accolade stands as a testament to the transformative impact of compassion-driven leadership in shaping a more just and united world.