‘Gold Mercury Award 2024 to Sergio Scapagnini and the ‘Street Children’ of the World’
Sergio Scapagnini, an engineer turned humanitarian, movie producer, and author, has long supported the needs of street children through his philanthropy, books and film work. He shares his Gold Mercury Award with the ‘street children of the world’. His book, ‘The Story of LALA’, an epic tale of survival of an Indian street child, has been published in Italian, French, English and several major Indian languages, has now been adapted into the major motion picture “PARIKRAMA”, an Indo-Italian Co-Production directed by Goutam Ghose.
Sergio Scapagnini and the Street Children of the World. Winners Gold Mercury Award Humanitarian Affairs 2024
The Gold Mercury Award Presentation Ceremony will take place in Kolkata, India, at the Apanjan and Anandaghar Street Children Homes, founded by great activist Kallol Ghosh, through his NGO “OFFER”, on December 8th, 2024.
Award Motivation
Raising awareness of the plight of the ‘street children’ of the world and providing them with the dignity, respect and education they deserve.
Award Motivation
A LIFE DEDICATED TO SUPPORTING STREET CHILDREN
Sergio Scapagnini is a co-founder and the honorary president of AMAsempre, an Italy-based NGO dedicated to supporting street children. For over forty years, Scapagnini—an engineer, film producer, author, and philanthropist—has devoted his life to humanitarian causes, focusing especially on the plight of street children in India and around the world.
Apanjan and Anadaghar project children celebrating the Holi Festival of Colours.
Scapagnini has worked alongside renowned humanitarian figures, including Don Gennaro Matino, founder of AMA; Sister Baptista, the Dutch missionary who served in India her entire life; Major H.P.S. Ahluwalia; Mother Teresa of Calcutta; His Holiness the Dalai Lama; and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus. Together with these humanitarian leaders, Scapagnini has contributed to numerous projects supporting destitute children and leprosy patients across India—in places like Indore, Kolkata, Dharamsala, Bhubaneswar, New Delhi, and Periavillai. Among his achievements, he helped build 547 new homes for survivors of the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami in Tamil Nadu, leaving a lasting impact on vulnerable communities.
THE APANJAN AND ANADAGHAR PROJECTS IN KOLKATA, INDIA
Since 1997, Mr. Scapagnini has provided both operational and financial support to the Apanjan and Anandaghar projects founded by Kallol Ghosh. These initiatives serve severely disadvantaged children in Kolkata, surrounding metropolitan areas, and across 17 districts of West Bengal. The two facilities offer housing, care, education, and social reintegration for street children and young adults, including individuals with mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and those affected by HIV.
Children at the Apanjan and Anadaghar projects in Kolkata
Anandaghar, an organisation dedicated to supporting children affected by HIV, provides specialised institutional care that includes essential educational support, healthcare, and psychosocial therapy. Beyond conventional anti-retroviral treatments, Anandaghar fosters an enriching environment through cultural and sports activities, such as yoga, music therapy, dance therapy, hippotherapy, Ayurvedic supplements, traditional local cuisine, field trips, and excursions. This comprehensive approach nurtures the children’s physical and emotional well-being, empowering them to lead as healthy and fulfilling a life as possible.
To address HIV-related stigma, CAFE POSITIVE was founded in 2018, becoming Asia’s first café operated exclusively by HIV-positive staff. This trailblazing initiative employs individuals over 18, providing not only employment but also a platform to raise awareness about HIV. Thanks to the overwhelming support of Kolkata’s residents, CAFE POSITIVE has been a success, leading to the opening of two additional cafés by Kallol Ghosh.
FIGHTING HIV FOR MOTHERS, CHILDREN AND NEWBORNS
Anandaghar’s initiatives also include the ATMAJA programme, championed by Mr. Scapagnini and generously supported by dedicated donors. This programme aims to eliminate vertical HIV transmission in India by implementing a specialised protocol that supports HIV-positive expectant mothers. Through comprehensive medical and educational interventions, ATMAJA ensures that HIV-positive mothers receive treatment that significantly increases the likelihood of giving birth to HIV-free children.
Children of the Anadaghar Offer Project on an Educational Tour
CHAMPIONING THE PLIGHT OF STREET CHILDREN LIVING IN MEGACITIES AROUND THE WORLD
Millions of children depend on the streets for their survival, whether by living on the streets, working there, relying on street-based support networks, or a combination of these.
The UN estimates there are now over 150 million street children globally. But no one knows the exact number because they are often unknown to social care and government organizations. Many of these children live in global cities or megacities such as Bombay, Sao Paulo, Jakarta, Dhaka, Istanbul, Lagos, and San Francisco, and each has a unique story to tell. The reasons they end up on the streets are varied and complex, including poverty, displacement due to natural disasters or conflicts, discrimination, abuse, and family breakdown. All these factors contribute to their presence on the streets, making their struggles a pressing global issue that Sergio Scapagnini tirelessly works to address.
The UN estimates there are now over 150 million street children globally.
SERGIO SCAPAGNINI AND HIS BOOK, THE STORY OF LALA - THE ADVENTURES OF AN INDIAN STREET CHILD
Inspiring the major motion picture Parikrama, by indian film director Goutam Ghose about the plight of street children and how environmental issues affect poverty.
Original cover of ‘The Story of LALA by Puffin books.
MEETING LALA
Sergio met Lala, a ‘street child’ on the beach at Juhu in Mumbai many years ago. Though small in stature, Lala carried himself with a quiet determination, lugging two large bags on his shoulders as he moved along the bustling shore. When Sergio paused to speak with him, Lala didn’t open his bags to display his wares. Instead, he shared something far more valuable—the story of his life.
Rural india
Lala had been a boy from a rural village, living in a beautiful hut with his family. One fateful day, he saw his father on his knees, pleading with the Zamindar, the land tax collector, who threatened to take away their home. The family’s last crop had failed due to a harsh drought, leaving them unable to pay their rent. Witnessing his father’s humiliation and despair, Lala made a decision: that very night, he would leave his beloved village and journey to the bustling city of Bombay to find work. His only aim was to earn enough to save his family’s home and restore his father’s dignity.
In Bombay, Lala became one of the many street children, enduring harsh conditions, long days, and countless challenges. Yet he never lost heart. Each night, he prayed to Lord Krishna, asking for strength to face the next day. Despite exhaustion, setbacks, and moments of doubt, he pressed on, fuelled by his love for his family and the hope of a better life.
Through sheer grit and determination, Lala achieved his dream. He sent enough money back to his village, allowing his father to buy back their home and stand once again with pride as an honest, hardworking farmer.
As Lala finished his story, both he and Sergio had tears in their eyes. Then, as quietly as he’d arrived, Lala disappeared into the night, leaving Sergio with an invaluable gift—his tale of resilience and survival. Upon returning to Italy, Sergio began sharing The Story of Lala with his three daughters—Stellina, Serena, and Sofia. With their keen eyes and artistic flair, they became his “editors” and illustrators, helping him craft the tale. Together, they created the book as a heartfelt project meant for their family, capturing a story that would be cherished for generations. “The Story of Lala” is now published in English by Penguin and Westland, in French by Hachette,in Italian and in the major Indian languages. The book would laterbecome the basis for the film ‘Parikrama’.
Lord Krishna
BRINGING ‘LALA’ TO THE BIG SCREEN
In addition to his philanthropic pursuits, Sergio Scapagnini is a celebrated filmmaker and producer. He co-created the documentary Impermanence, directed by Goutam Ghose, which provides an intimate look into the life and reflections of H.H. the Dalai Lama. Inspired by his travels through India, his encounter with Lala on the beach, and the encouragement of his close friend Sharwan Choudhary, founder of Royal Gems and Arts, Sergio was moved to write The Story of Lala. Alongside acclaimed director Goutam Ghose, Sergio embarked on adapting this story for the screen, resulting in the feature film Parikrama. Today, Parikrama has been brought to life through the combined efforts of production companies Indrapur Cinematografica, La Luna, Life Journey Films Production, RH Media, Trikut Films, and Big Sur, in collaboration with RAI Cinema. This remarkable project was made possible with the support of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India, the NFDC, FFO India, the Department of Tourism of Madhya Pradesh, the Italian Ministry of Culture, and Regione Campania.
Scene during the filming of ‘Parikrama’, inspired by the book The story of Lala, by Sergio Scapagnini.
Parikrama storyline: The protagonist, Lala, symbolises "the street children of the world" and the hardships they face. Lala, an 11 year old boy, starts his journey with a purpose and finds himself on a path towards a gigantic and alien megacity. On his journey along India’s sacred Narmada River, Alessandro, an acclaimed Italian director known for his environmental documentaries, encounters Lala—a resilient young “street urchin.” Lala has left his village to find work and secure dignity and land for his family, who were displaced by the construction of a massive dam.
The movie includes an Indian-Italian Cast including Bollywood star Chitrangda Singh (Gaslight), and Italian stars Marco Leonardi (Cinema Paradiso), Cristina Donadio (Gomorrah), and Aryan Badkul as LALA. The film will be launched at the 54th edition of the annual Giffoni Film Festival for Children in Italy in July 2024.
Sergio Scapagnini has received numerous accolades for his humanitarian contributions, including the distinguished Civic Reception from the Municipality of Kolkata in recognition of his work in the field of solidarity. Additionally, he was awarded the esteemed title of Commander of the Order of the Star of Italian Solidarity by the President of Italy, Giorgio Napolitano, honouring his exceptional dedication to humanitarian causes.
Gautam Ghose, Sergio Scapagnini and Marco Leonardi on the set of the film Parikrama.
Sergio Scapagnini, alongside Kallol Ghosh, founder of OFFER India, stands with housed street children, united in their efforts to provide shelter, care, and hope for some of the most vulnerable members of society.
Children living or working in the streets or public spaces are entitled to the respect, protection and fulfillment of all the rights set out in the Convention on the Rights of the Child.
“I am deeply honoured to accept the Gold Mercury Award for Humanitarian Affairs on behalf of the street children of the world—millions of resilient souls who face unimaginable challenges every day. This recognition is not just for me, but for them, as a reminder that their voices matter and their futures deserve our unwavering commitment. May this award inspire us all to continue working toward a world where every child is valued, protected, and given the chance to dream beyond the streets.”
“Gold Mercury International has decided to honour Sergio Scapagnini for his relentless dedication to uplifting the most vulnerable in our society — the children who live and must learn to survive on the streets. These children, who call the vast megacities and sprawling urban landscapes of our planet their home, face extraordinary hardships every day. By awarding this honour, we amplify their voices, shedding light on their plight and calling on global society to take action. We carry the urgent message of their suffering and resilience to the world, hoping to inspire meaningful change for their future.”
Award Ceremony Speeches
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Gold Mercury Award to Sergio Scapagnini and the ‘Street Children’ of the World
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed guests, and children,
We are gathered here today in a place that stands as a beacon of pure humanity, to honour not only the extraordinary work of Sergio Scapagnini but also to illuminate a profound and urgent issue that touches millions worldwide: the plight of street children.
It is a deep honour to present this Gold Mercury Award to a man whose life work has exemplified compassion, resilience, and unwavering dedication to humanity. Sergio Scapagnini, through his role as an engineer, author, filmmaker, and humanitarian, has dedicated over four decades to the well-being and future of vulnerable children, particularly those who survive against all odds in the unforgiving streets of the world’s megacities.
Sergio’s journey with India began nearly 40 years ago, when he met Sister Baptista of Indore, a true giant of humanity and formed an enduring friendship with Sharwan Choudhary, two encounters that set him on a path of lifelong service and solidarity with the street children of India and beyond.
Over the years, he has founded and supported numerous initiatives aimed at empowering these children, who are often unseen, uncounted, and unheard. Through his work, Sergio has given voice to their resilience, their struggles, and, most importantly, their dreams.
One of the most inspiring parts of Sergio’s journey is his work as President of AMAsempre, an NGO based in Italy that is dedicated to helping street children. This organisation, of which he is a founding member, has undertaken projects across India, supporting children who are victims of poverty, displacement, and social exclusion. Whether responding to the 2005 tsunami by helping rebuild homes for fisher families in Tamil Nadu or contributing to long-term housing and education projects, Sergio has continuously championed the cause of those in need.
Here in Kolkata, Sergio’s contributions have left an indelible mark. The Apanjan and Anandaghar Street Children Homes—founded by the visionary activist Kallol Ghosh, whom we have the privilege of celebrating today as well—stand as testaments to the power of collaboration and compassion. These homes serve children with some of the most severe disadvantages imaginable, including mental illness, intellectual disabilities, and the devastating impact of HIV. Anandaghar’s work includes the ATMAJA programme, a cause championed by Mr. Scapagnini, supported by many generous friends specially involved in the beautiful cause, which aims to eliminate vertical HIV transmission in India. This medical and educational programme has developed a specialised protocol to support HIV-positive expectant mothers, ensuring they receive treatment that can result in the birth of HIV-free children. Through these programmes, hundreds of children have been given not only shelter but also the tools for social reintegration, education, and a life of dignity.
Anandaghar’s impact extends beyond its walls. With initiatives like CAFE POSITIVE, Asia’s first café operated by HIV-positive individuals, Sergio and his partners have created a new model for social inclusion, courageously challenging stigma and offering sustainable employment opportunities. It is clear that the impact of Sergio’s work is far-reaching, inspiring countless others to join the mission of supporting the vulnerable.
One of Sergio’s crowning achievements is the adaptation of his book, ‘The Story of LALA’, into the major motion picture PARIKRAMA, directed by the acclaimed Indian filmmaker Goutam Ghose. Through Lala’s journey, the world is invited to witness the struggles and dreams of street children, to see them as they truly are: survivors with hopes and ambitions, who, despite the immense challenges they face, dare to envision a life beyond the streets. This film is not just a work of art; it is a call to action for a world that often turns a blind eye to the suffering of its youngest and most vulnerable members as well as the devastating impact of climate change on their lives.
Sergio is a truly humble man. When we nominated him for this Award, he made it clear that he wished to share it with the street children of the world, so that their voices could reach us all. These are children who endure unimaginable hardships every day. In accepting this Gold Mercury Award, Sergio Scapagnini not only honours their resilience but also reminds us that their futures hinge on our collective commitment, compassion, and willingness to act.
As President and Secretary General of Gold Mercury International, I want to convey that today’s recognition is more than a celebration—it is a rallying cry. It calls upon each of us, in every corner of the globe, to step forward in support of these children and affirm their right to a future where they are valued, protected, and free to dream. Achieving this vision demands a paradigm shift in how we view, care for, and empower the world’s most vulnerable—our precious angels, who deserve nothing less than our fullest love and support.
Sergio, on behalf of Gold Mercury International and indeed the world, we thank you for your courage, compassion, and unwavering dedication to these children. Your work is a beacon of hope and a powerful reminder of the profound impact we can have when we choose to make a difference. In a world with more individuals like you, we would all find ourselves more deeply human, for it is through your compassion that we see what it truly means to care.
May this award stand as a symbol of our collective commitment to the future of every child and a promise to build a world where no child must face the streets alone.
Thank You -
Gold Mercury Humanitaria Award for the 'Street Children' of the World
Ladies and gentlemen,
Thank you so much for this incredible honor. Being a part of 'Parikrama' and the incredible ‘Story of Lala’, has been a life-changing experience for me, not just as an actor but as a human being. Through this movie, I had the chance to learn about the lives of street children and the challenges they face every day.
I want to dedicate this award to all the street children around the world. Your strength and resilience are truly inspiring. I hope that through this film, we can raise awareness about your struggles and inspire others to take action to help improve your lives.
I am deeply grateful to Sergio Scapagnini for his unwavering dedication to this cause and for giving me the opportunity to tell Lala's story. I also want to thank Goutam Ghose for his incredible direction and for guiding me through this journey.
A special thank you to Gold Mercury International for this prestigious honor. Your recognition means the world to us and brings much-needed attention to the plight of street children everywhere.
This award is not just for me; it is for every child who dreams of a better future. Let us all continue to work together to make that dream a reality.
Thank you.
Aryan Badkul
Press Release
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Gold Mercury International Honours Sergio Scapagnini with Humanitarian Award for His Lifelong Commitment to Children’s causes and the Rights of Street Children
London, 14th November 2024 – Gold Mercury International, the global governance think tank and Award, is proud to present its Humanitarian Affairs award to Sergio Scapagnini, Italian philanthropist, author, and film producer, in recognition of his exceptional dedication to supporting street children in India and worldwide. For over forty years, Mr. Scapagnini has devoted his life to promoting the welfare, dignity, and opportunities of society’s most vulnerable children, through impactful projects, notable collaborations, and a visionary commitment to humanitarian causes.Through the years, Scapagnini has collaborated with humanitarian icons, including Sister Baptista of Indore, Mother Teresa of Calcutta, the Dalai Lama, and Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus, in initiatives aimed at aiding destitute children and supporting leprosy patients in Indore, Kolkata, Dharamsala, Bhubaneswar, New Delhi, and Periavillai. Most notably, following the 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami, he led efforts to build over 500 homes for survivors in Tamil Nadu, providing vital infrastructure and stability for affected communities. His relentless efforts continue to inspire and make an indelible impact on the lives of thousands.
As honorary President of AMAsempre, an Italy-based NGO dedicated to street children, Scapagnini has contributed both operational and financial support to numerous projects since 1997. His partnership with Kallol Ghosh, founder of the Apanjan and Anandaghar projects, has been instrumental in providing housing, education, and healthcare for disadvantaged children across Kolkata, West Bengal, and beyond. These programs have had far-reaching effects, including the establishment of Café Positive, Asia’s first café run entirely by HIV-positive staff, which combats HIV stigma while offering employment opportunities.
Additionally, Scapagnini has been a key supporter of the ATMAJA programme, an initiative under Anandaghar that provides vital assistance to HIV-positive expectant mothers. The ATMAJA programme aims to eliminate vertical transmission of HIV from mother to child in India by offering comprehensive medical and educational support. Through a specialised protocol, ATMAJA ensures HIV-positive mothers receive the necessary treatment to enable the birth of HIV-free children, giving hope and life-changing opportunities to these families.In his acceptance of the Gold Mercury Award, Mr. Scapagnini has chosen to dedicate this honour to the street children he advocates for, underscoring their strength and resilience. “This recognition is more than a celebration; it is a rallying cry,” he stated. “We must all step forward in support of these children and their right to a future where they are valued, protected, and free to dream.”
Mr. Scapagnini’s efforts extend to storytelling, where he brings awareness to these vital issues through his art. Inspired by his extensive travels to India and his friendship with Indian businessman Sharwan Choudhary, founder of Royal Gems and Arts, Scapagnini authored “The Story of Lala”, an epic tale following the journey of a street child. Alongside acclaimed director Goutam Ghose, Scapagnini adapted this book into the feature film “Parikrama”, produced by Indrapur Cinematografica, La Luna, Life Journey Films Production, RH Media, Trikut Films, and Big Sur, in collaboration with RAI Cinema. The film has received widespread support from organisations including the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting of India, NFDC, FFO India, the Department of Tourism of Madhya Pradesh, the Italian Ministry of Culture, and Regione Campania.
“Sergio’s work shines a light on the forgotten and most vulnerable among us,” said Nicolas De Santis Cuadra, President of Gold Mercury International. “His unyielding commitment to street children exemplifies what it means to serve humanity with compassion, courage, and dignity. Sergio has inspired countless others, and through his work, he offers hope to future generations.”
Gold Mercury International is honoured to recognise Sergio Scapagnini’s achievements and his lifetime of dedication to the cause of street children. This award is a testament to his impactful legacy and a call to action for global communities to ensure that every child can grow, thrive, and envision a brighter future.
About Gold Mercury International and the Gold Mercury Award®
Founded in 1961, Gold Mercury International is a visionary organisation dedicated to advancing Global Governance through strategic foresight. Its mission is to influence critical decisions and actions needed to accelerate humanity’s journey toward a sustainable and peaceful planet. Central to Gold Mercury’s approach is the Global Governance Monitoring System®, known as GLOGO®, a proprietary foresight framework that interprets and organises complex global issues to promote sustainable solutions for the benefit of humanity.
At the heart of Gold Mercury’s legacy are the prestigious Gold Mercury Awards®, the first global accolades for outstanding contributions to global governance. These awards have honoured world leaders, innovators, and organisations that demonstrate strategic foresight and transformative leadership. Notable awardees include U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford, who were recognised for their diplomatic and peace-building efforts. The awards have also celebrated scientific milestones, such as Prof. Robert Gallo's discovery of the HIV virus, and humanitarian achievements by organisations like UNICEF and the International Red Cross. Additionally, prominent individuals such as human rights advocate Kerry Kennedy have been recognised for their dedication to advancing social and global issues.
The Gold Mercury Award continues to celebrate individuals and institutions that catalyse positive change, shaping a more resilient, ethical, and forward-looking global society.
For media inquiries, interviews and photos, please contact:
Chon Kemp
Public Affairs, Gold Mercury International
chon.kemp@goldmercury.org
Watch video on OFFER’s Residential Campus for children living with HIV/AIDS.