Agus Indra Udayana, who is a social worker from Indonesia, has been appointed President of Gandhi Mandela Foundation-Indonesia. Mr Udayana has been actively involved in promoting Gandhian values in Indonesia for more than a decade through his four ashrams in Bali and Lombok – based on the principles of nonviolence, truth and humanitarianism.

Mr Udayana has constantly participated in various national and international forums on nurturing democracy, religious harmony through inter-faith dialogue, education and promoting Gandhian values.

President Kovind presents Padma Shri to Shri Agus Indra Udayana for Social Work. He is the founder of Ashram Gandhi, Bali and has been actively engaged in promoting Gandhian values in Indonesia. pic.twitter.com/wOCFPSE8vn

— President of India (@rashtrapatibhvn) November 8, 2021

Mr Udayana has been conferred with Padma Shri honour by the Government of India for his contributions to the field of social work, particularly for spreading Gandhian values.

Prompted by a serious concern for the spiritual, cultural, social and economic life in Bali, the Ashram Gandhi Puri was instituted to promote enduring interfaith and dialogue to create cultures of peace, justice and healing. Under the leadership of Agus Indra Udayana, the Ashrams facilitate accommodation and overall developmental support to the economically marginalized students. The localites have benefited a great deal from the services and teachings of the Ashram in the areas of brotherhood, self-reliance, environment, peace, etc.

Mr Udayana has also maintained close contacts with the prominent Gandhian institutes and scholars in India. He regularly participates in social work activities in India, Indonesia and other parts of the world working in close co-ordination with the NGOs promoting Gandhian values.

Mr Udayana is also the recipient of the Jamnalal Bajaj International Award for promoting Gandhian values outside India in 2011. He has also been conferred the Pemuda Pariwisata Harapan Award, in 1999 for his contribution towards promoting tourism and culture through youth. In 1990, Remaja Dewata Award was presented to him in the field of promoting art and culture.