The India Love Project Emerges As One Of The 10 Finalists For 2023 Global Pluralism Awards

The Global Centre For Pluralism recognises outstanding global efforts contributing to more inclusive societies and the India Love Project is the only organisation from India to have made It to the list of the 10 finalists for the the 2023 Global Pluralism Award. India Love Project was selected among 200 applicants  from 60 countries- responding to the urgent need to support positive responses to diversity. India Love Project stood out for its relentless efforts in countering prejudice with positive stories of love and marriage that defied traditional boundaries of faith, caste, ethnicity, and gender. 

“The creativity, courage and commitment shown by this year’s finalists is so important at this moment,” said the Secretary General of the Global Centre for Pluralism,  Meredith Preston McGhie. “At a time of increasing polarization globally, it is critical to magnify the impacts of pluralism leaders who are creating more inclusive and peaceful societies where diversity is valued. I hope these examples spur us all to follow their example and take action” she added

The nominees are taken through a rigorous screening and reviewing process before the finalists are selected by an independent, international jury of experts. These applicants work to embolden pluralism in their societies across a wide range of disciplines, from peacebuilding to translation, social enterprise, sport therapy storytelling, technology, and beyond. However, the 2023 finalists are based out of Belgium, Brazil, Cameroon, India, Kenya, Lebanon, Mexico, Palestine, South Africa, and the United States. 

“The Award finalists have made outstanding contributions to fostering pluralism in some of the world’s most challenging contexts. They are strengthening their communities by helping to build a foundation of mutual respect, cooperation and shared purpose.”said Dr. Marwan Muasher  the jury chair of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and a former foreign minister and deputy prime minister of Jordan. 

Three winners and seven honourable mention recipients will be announced in October and awarded at a ceremony scheduled to be held in November in Ottawa, Canada. Each winner will receive a prize of $50,000 (CAD) to further their work in support of pluralism. 

The Award is conferred by the Global Centre for Pluralism, founded by His Highness the Aga Khan and the Government of Canada, and is made possible with the  support of TD Bank Group

The India Love Project was launched in 2020 by senior journalists Niloufer Venkatraman, Samar Halarnkar and Priya Ramani. The organisation embraces the boon of social media to promote acceptance and initiate dialogue. They share real-life love stories that go against the hateful narratives about unconventional and non-traditional unions-interfaith, inter-caste, inter-ethnic, LGBTQ+ couples,  on their Instagram account to celebrate their love and provide a sense of community. Additionally, the organization also connects couples with pro bono lawyers and counsellors to tackle legal challenges.

“Being shortlisted for this award is heartening. We look forward to telling more unconventional love stories to even larger audiences. I hope our small effort can normalize unions that break the mould of homogeneity. Celebrating difference, inclusivity, and showcasing pluralism as an essential component of Indian life—that’s what we are all about.” said  Niloufer Venkatraman, one of the three founders.