Mothers of Courage Finalist at UN SDG Action Awards 2026
The documentary Mothers of Courage, which records women leading a grassroots movement for girls’ education in Bihar, has been named a finalist in the Creativity category of the 2026 Heroes of Tomorrow: United Nations Sustainable Development Goals Action Awards. The awards ceremony will be held in Rome on 29 October 2026.
The film is India’s only entry that was shortlisted in the Sustainable Development Goals Lions category at Cannes Lions 2026 and it also secured Best Inspirational Film at the Los Angeles Film Awards 2026. Additional accolades include a Silver award at the ABBY Awards 2026, a Platinum SABRE Award for Best in Show and a Gold SABRE Award for Public Education at the SABRE South Asia Awards 2026, a Gold SABRE Award for Public Education at the SABRE Asia Pacific Awards 2026, and a finalist position at the 7th Mumbai International Film Festival 2026.
The documentary is part of Shikshagraha, a national movement to strengthen public education championed by Infosys co‑founder and former CEO S. D. Shibulal. Since October 2024, more than 44,892 Shiksha Chaupals—community gatherings where mothers and other community members discuss barriers such as child marriage—have been conducted across 14 districts of Bihar. These gatherings have collectively mobilised over 1.19 million citizens who have pledged to keep girls in school and protect them from early marriage.
Shikshagraha is supported by S. D. Shibulal, Bengaluru‑based non‑profits ShikshaLokam and Mantra4Change, and works with more than 43 partner organisations across 16 states and Union Territories. The movement is currently strengthening more than 1,17,000 schools across 33 districts in 14 states and UTs, with the involvement of 35+ civil‑society, industry and philanthropic partners. Its broader mission is to improve all one million public schools in India so that every child experiences enriching learning, confidence, well‑being and aspirations.
Khushboo Awasthi, Co‑Founder of Mantra4Change and Chief Curator of Shikshagraha, said the global recognition underscores the courage of the women driving change and reflects the core ethos of the Shikshagraha movement. Director Vandana R added that the film’s resonance on a global stage validates the honesty, strength and conviction of the women featured.
For further information, the documentary can be viewed on YouTube via the provided link.