An Indian-American teen Anjali Bhatia has topped among six winners, announced by the US Center for Citizen Diplomacy, for their exemplary work as citizen diplomats and for the promotion of cultural understanding around the world.
The 19-year-old will be given the 'National Award for Citizen Diplomacy' at a ceremony in Washington on February 12.
"It is not only the right, but the responsibility of every American to be a citizen diplomat, of the highest quality, for our communities and our country," Harriet Mayor Fulbright of the center said.
"We are particularly proud to recognise these six recipients of the first awards. The honorees, through their various causes and programmes, understand the need for citizen involvement in international relations," he added.
Anjali, who is from Kinnelon, New Jersey, founded 'Discover Worlds' at the age of 16. The student-run, non-profit organisation promotes relations between the United States and Rwanda. It focuses on eradicating poverty by enabling orphans of genocide and youth affected by HIV/AIDS to stay in school.
Studying neuro-economics at Duke University in Durham, North Carolina, she continues to inspire young Americans to make a difference among at-risk students in Rwanda.
Besides the award, each honoree will receive an amount of $5,000, which may be donated to a non-profit organisation of the honoree's choice.
Anjali is considering donating the award money to Discover Worlds for promoting US-Rwanda ties.
Nominees to the award must be US citizens and at least 18 years of age. Among other qualities required for the award nomination is the evidence of dedication, originality and capacity for leadership and self-direction.