Activist who opposed Kudankulam nuclear plant among 2025 Nuclear-Free Future Awards laureates

2025 Nuclear-Free Future Awards honor global activists working towards a nuclear-free world, including S.P. Udayakumar and others.

The 2025 Nuclear-Free Future Awards will honour S.P. Udayakumar, a key figure in resistance to the Kudankulam Nuclear Power Plant in Tirunelveli district, alongside individuals from Brazil, Navajo Nation, the United States, and Zimbabwe, for their efforts toward a nuclear-free world.

Founded in 1998 by Claus Biegert, the Nuclear-Free Future Awards celebrate those working to rid the world of nuclear weapons, power, and uranium mining, with laureates chosen by an international jury of peers. Mr. Udayakumar, who will receive the Resistance Award, spearheaded the 2011 grassroots movement that opposed the construction of the plant in Tamil Nadu, India. His continued advocacy highlights the dangers of nuclear energy, particularly to vulnerable communities, an official release says.

In addition to Mr. Udayakumar, Márcia Gomes de Oliveira and Norbert Suchanek from Brazil will receive the Education Award for founding the International Uranium Film Festival, which has showcased over 300 films on nuclear issues worldwide. The Solution Award will go to Edwick Madzimure of Zimbabwe, recognised for her advocacy on behalf of women impacted by militarism and nuclear weapons. Honorary Lifetime Achievement Awards will be given to anti-nuclear activist Joanna Macy and the late Klee Benally, a Navajo activist who worked to address the environmental and health effects of uranium mining on Native American communities.

The awards ceremony will take place on March 4 at The Great Hall at Cooper Union in New York City. It coincides with the Third Meeting of States Parties to the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons at the United Nations.