I knew it was coming. And I have accepted awards on behalf of FRIEND before as well. So there was absolutely no reason to feel what I was feeling. Butterflies were not just flying but also doing cartwheels in my tummy at the same time. I could see Mala poised with the camera and the room abuzz with people saying ‘FRIEND’, ‘FRIEND’ as the MC read the citation for the first prize awardee in the group category – Foundation for Rural Integrated Enterprises N Development. This was the inaugural FRANK HILTON Awards organized by the ABC Foundation in recognition of groups and individuals working for betterment of communities. And it indeed is an honor to be singled out in such a manner, especially since the initiative to award FRIEND came from the ABC Foundation itself saying that they believe that FRIEND is the organization worthy of such recognition.

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