India Abroad - January 6, 2012

COMMUNITY SPECIAL
RITU JHA
Human Agenda honors
Human Agenda, a California-based nonprofit, honored San Jose Councilman Ash Kalra and social activist Raj Jayadev for serving the com-
munity, at its ninth annual hunger banquet December
3.
A unique feature of the banquet was that everyone
sat on the floor to eat instead of a table to show support
for those affected by hunger and poverty globally.
“The human rights award I received is truly a reflec-
tion of many compassionate people I have worked with
in service to the community,” Kalra told India Abroad.
He said Human Agenda is an extraordinary organi-
zation of committed individuals who believe that every-
one should live in dignity with basic levels of suste-
nance and respect that every one deserves.
Kalra, the first Indian-American councilman in the
city of San Jose, said he will run again for San Jose
Council in the 2012 election.
“Kalra has been a constant defender of low-income
people. He has consistently supported marginalized
people in the community. And that is why we gave him
the award. He is the only council member who has will-
ingly engaged with Occupy San Jose,” said Richard
Hobbs, executive director, Human Agenda.
Raj Jayadev, founder, Silicon Valley De-bug, a multi-
media nonprofit, was modest about the recognition.
“I am honored not for myself but for my group,” he
said. “We try to convince (people) to work on issues to
improve their lives and the lives of the people in their com-
munity.”
Jayadev works on issue like criminal justice system, and
Ash Kalra, Raj Jayadev
San Jose Councilman Ash Kalra, left, during the award ceremony
Social activist Raj Jayadev, left, receives the award

has worked on Albert Cobarrubias Justice, a local commu-
nity-based organization that assists individuals and fami-
lies who have run into the criminal justice system.
“We felt that this is one way we can transform this com-
munity,” said Jayadev, who also works on immigration
rights and police accountability.
Three honored for outstanding community service

Rennu Dhillon poses with the Fremont Hero Award
Jeevan Zutshi, right, being awarded the Unity Award
by Assemblyman Bob Wieckowski
Makhan Singh Bains, right, with the Union City
Local Hero Award

RITU JHA
Jeevan Zutshi, Makhan Singh Bains and Rennu Dhillon were honored by Assembly man Bob Wieckowski for
outstanding community work in
California’s 20th District at an awards cere-
mony December 15 in Union City,
California.
The newly-instituted award has been set
up by Wieckowski to recognize citizens in
the local community who have dedicated
themselves to improving the quality of life
in the district.

About this publication

fullscreen

fullscreen

subscribe

article text for page

< previous story | next story >

add comment | read comments

Share this page with a friend
Save to “My Stuff”
Subscribe to this magazine
Search
Help