UWC-USA introduced a new tradition at this year’s graduation with the presentation of the inaugural Captain Raj and Sudesh Mohindra Award. Established with Amit Mohindra ’84, a member of UWC-USA’s first graduating class, the award honors staff members whose selfless service and dedication advance the mission of UWC-USA.
In presenting the award, Amit shared the story behind the prize and the example set by his parents. After Amit arrived at UWC-USA as a student, his father, Captain Raj Mohindra, learned that Lord Mountbatten, one of the co-founders of the UWC movement, had long dreamed of establishing a UWC in India. Inspired by that vision, Raj Mohindra helped lead the effort to found what became the Mahindra United World College of India, working for years alongside co-founder Harish Mahindra despite significant obstacles. Amit also recognized the vital role of his mother, Sudesh Mohindra, a lifelong educator whose steady support helped sustain that work.
At the 1997 inauguration of UWC Mahindra College,UWC President Queen Noor praised Raj Mohindra’s “outstanding skill, courage, selflessness, and absolute determination.” Those same qualities inspired the creation of this new award at UWC-USA.
The first recipient of the Captain Raj and Sudesh Mohindra Award is Liam O’Hara, UWC-USA’s economics and global politics teacher. Through his teaching, mentorship, and commitment to students, Liam embodies the spirit of service, dedication, and mission-driven work that this award was created to celebrate.