Richa Gupta, the co-founder and CEO of Labhya, was celebrated at the 11th Annual Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards on November 9, 2024, in Louisville, Kentucky. Known globally for her dedication to children’s well-being and education in India, Richa was one of the standout honorees at this prestigious event.
The Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards, created in 2013 by Muhammad Ali’s wife, Lonnie Ali, and his family, honor individuals whose work embodies the principles that made the boxing legend a global icon. The awards recognize those who dedicate their lives to humanitarian service, while also highlighting young international humanitarians who make a difference in the world.
This year’s event saw other renowned figures honored for their contributions to youth empowerment and social justice, including Shaquille O’Neal, who received the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian of the Year Award, and Grammy-winning music producer Nile Rodgers, who was honored with the Global Citizenship Award. Additionally, Bryan Stevenson received the Lifetime Achievement Award, and Dawne Gee was recognized as Kentucky’s Humanitarian of the Year.
Richa Gupta was recognized for her leadership and the transformative work of Labhya, a nonprofit organization that integrates well-being and mental health programs into India’s public education system. Labhya’s initiatives have already positively impacted over 2.4 million children in more than 22,000 government schools across India, and Richa has set an ambitious goal to expand this reach to 30 million children by 2030.
Richa expressed her gratitude for the award and highlighted the significance of her mission. She emphasized her dedication to improving the lives of vulnerable children, stating that they will continue their efforts until they reach 30 million children by 2030.
The Muhammad Ali Center in Louisville, Kentucky, serves as a global hub for celebrating Muhammad Ali’s ideals, including his dedication to social justice, service, and empowerment.