Viswanathan joins past winners of the international award such as Mother Teresa and the former vice president of India. The India International Friendship Society’s Bharat Gaurav Award is given annually to honor people whose work promotes India’s heritage and contributions at home and aboard. Bhartat Gaurav translates to “India pride” or “India respect.” Viswanathan created programs that helped those in India who cannot read and write, and started a program to help the poor improve consumer and entrepreneurial skills. He said the award provides a platform to further his efforts to improve the quality of life in subsistence economies. “The recognition is wonderful, but it’s also a remind that we should double our efforts to make a real impact,” Viswanathan said. Viswanathan will receive the reward Jan. 7 in New Delhi, India, as part of Global Friendship Day. The day marks the anniversary of political and spiritual leader Mahatma Ghandi’s return to India after having led non-violent civil rights efforts in South Africa.