Association of People with Disability (APD) Invites Applications for 10th N.S. Hema Memorial Awards to Recognise Disability Inclusion Initiatives

Bengaluru, August 07, 2026: The Association of People with Disability (APD) has invited applications for the 10th edition of the N.S. Hema Memorial Awards, which recognise grassroots organisations working to advance disability inclusion across South India and Maharashtra.

Instituted in memory of N.S. Hema, who founded APD in 1959, the awards aim to encourage organisations that are creating sustainable and community-led solutions for persons with disabilities. According to APD, the initiative reflects N.S. Hema’s vision of building a collaborative ecosystem where organisations working in the disability sector can grow and create long-term impact.

This year's edition introduces two award categories: Disability Inclusive Health and Disability Inclusive Livelihood. The awards carry a total prize pool of ₹2.5 lakh. In addition to financial recognition, winners and selected high-potential organisations will receive access to strategic co-funding opportunities, capacity-building programmes and peer-learning networks to strengthen their organisational capabilities.

Over the years, the awards have recognised organisations including People with Hearing Impaired Network (PHIN), Saadhya Trust for Social Development, Sri Arunodayam Charitable Trust, and Atchayam Trust for their contributions to disability inclusion through community-based initiatives.

Applications are open to legally registered non-profit organisations operating as trusts or societies with valid 12A, 80G and CSR-1 registrations. Eligible organisations should have three to ten years of field operations, an annual budget of up to ₹2.5 crore (depending on the award category), and an active presence in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana or Maharashtra.

Entries will be assessed by an independent jury based on impact evidence, community-led approaches, innovation and scaling potential, and governance practices.

The last date to submit applications is August 10, 2026.