In a historic recognition, Universidad Azteca (Azteca University), officially listed in the International Association of Universities under UNESCO, has conferred an Honorary Doctorate of Advanced Studies (DAS) on Mr. Pawan Reley, Advocate on Record, Supreme Court of India. At 33 years of age, Mr. Reley becomes the youngest Indian advocate to receive this prestigious honor from any Indian or foreign university.
The award recognizes his significant contributions to social work and human rights, particularly his relentless pro bono advocacy for manual scavengers and sewer cleaners in India over the past nine years.
The ceremony, held on December 7, 2025, in Mexico City, brought together honorees from nations such as the USA, Mexico, India, Myanmar, Nigeria, and Indonesia. Distinguished individuals were recognized across fields like Computer Science, Philosophy, and Business Administration, with Mr. Pawan Reley standing out as the sole recipient of the Honorary Doctorate in Social Work from India.
Azteca University’s rigorous screening committee evaluates nominees based on the impact, scale, and relevance of their work, considering their age and influence. Mr. Reley’s tireless efforts to uphold the dignity and rights of marginalized communities have earned him this rare global acknowledgment.
This honor not only highlights Mr. Pawan Reley’s profound dedication to social justice but also positions him as an inspiration for young advocates and human rights defenders, demonstrating how the legal profession can serve as a powerful force for transformative change.
