The Jan Mitra Award (Jan Mitra Samman) was conferred upon Chawky Frenn, internationally renowned artist, author, educator, and cultural activist, in recognition of his lifelong and outstanding contribution to art, human dignity, peace, and human rights.
The award was formally presented by former Jan Mitra Awardees Chandra Mishra and Suresh Nair, symbolising continuity, solidarity, and collective commitment to justice, democracy, and ethical public engagement.
The Jan Mitra Samman Ceremony was held on 10 January 2026 at 1:00 PM at the PVCHR Office, Pandeypur, Varanasi, and was jointly hosted by People’s Vigilance Committee on Human Rights (PVCHR), Jan Mitra Nyas, and the Mirza Ghalib Literature & Art Global Club.
Instituted by Jan Mitra Nyas, the Jan Mitra Award honours individuals whose work strengthens democratic values and affirms the ethical responsibility of art, culture, and education in defending human dignity. Prof. Frenn’s work has consistently borne witness to social and political realities, amplified marginalised voices, and courageously challenged dominant narratives around war, power, and exclusion.
Accepting the award, Prof. Chawky Frenn stated:
“It is a great honor to be recognized for a lifetime devoted to advancing awareness—through teaching, leadership, and research—of art’s responsibility and power to serve as a voice for peace, human rights, and human dignity. Art bears witness to its time, amplifies marginalized voices, and courageously questions dominant narratives. I am deeply grateful to Dr. Lenin Raghuvanshi for this meaningful recognition.”
A former Fulbright-Nehru Scholar, Prof. Frenn currently teaches at George Mason University. His works have been exhibited widely across the United States, Europe, the Middle East, and India, and are internationally recognised for their powerful engagement with democracy, injustice, and human suffering.
Speaking on the occasion, the organisers emphasised that the Jan Mitra Award is not merely an artistic honour, but a recognition of moral courage and lifelong solidarity with oppressed and marginalised communities.
The ceremony concluded with a reaffirmation that art, when guided by conscience and human values, remains a vital force for peace, justice, and social transformation.
Issued by:
Jan Mitra Nyas
Varanasi
