On Gandhi Jayanti, a day that reverberates with the Mahatma’s ethos of sustainable development and empowering the weakest in society, the relevance of his vision and values are more profound than ever. As the world grapples with environmental crises, social inequalities, and the pressing need for inclusive and sustainable growth, the principles of Mahatma Gandhi offer a timeless blueprint for holistic development. Reflecting this spirit, TheCSRUniverse has chosen this very day to showcase the outstanding contributions of those individuals and organisations that are changing the society, uplifting people and supporting the development of the nation in their own unique ways. These are the winners of the 4th edition of the TheCSRUniverse Social Impact Awards as well as 1st edition of TheCSRUniverse Editorial Choice Awards.
Demonstrating the ethos of being Conscious, Social & Responsible, TheCSRUniverse ensured there was zero nomination fee for all entries, making it a truly inclusive platform. Every nomination we received told a story of hope and progress. The winners were chosen by a jury panel of 20 eminent academics and social sector leaders based on the uniqueness of their ideas, efficacy in implementation, the outcome vis-à-vis project cost, community involvement & empowerment and the scope for further replication.
Announced on September 12th, the Social Impact Awards recognised contributions across 17 categories while the Editorial Choice Awards were conferred in 7 categories. By focusing on initiatives that not only reported outcomes quantitatively but also established success through compelling narratives, the awards highlighted projects that were bringing about inclusive and sustainable progress.
Take a look at all the winners of TheCSRUniverse Awards under each category:
Winners of TheCSRUniverse Social Impact Awards 2024
EDUCATION
- Ek Kadam Aur Foundation for Education and Health: Awarded for their Arunodaya program, a holistic initiative dedicated to empowering blind children in rural India. Established in 2017, the foundation offers comprehensive rehabilitation, Braille literacy, digital skills, and life skill training to blind children, ensuring their assimilation into mainstream education. Since 2022, the program has enrolled 249 children across 7 states, trained 177 teachers, and counseled over 500 parents. With an aim to foster inclusivity and equity, the program prepares visually impaired children for independent lives, while also raising awareness in communities for a more inclusive society.
- Foundation for Excellence India Trust: Awarded for their merit-cum-means scholarship program, which empowers financially disadvantaged students to pursue higher education in engineering and medicine. Since its inception in 1994, the foundation has supported over 38,000 students across India, awarding scholarships totaling INR 436 crore. By providing mentorship and career guidance, FFEIT helps students achieve academic success and secure employment, uplifting entire families out of poverty. With a strong focus on education as a means of social transformation, the foundation continues to make a lasting impact on youth from underserved communities.
- Karadi Path Education Company Pvt Ltd: Awarded for its "Magic English Secondary Language Learning Program," a three-year immersive initiative designed to improve the English proficiency of children from non-English environments. Through innovative tools such as Action Path, Music Path, and Story Path, Karadi Path's methodology mimics natural language acquisition. The program is operational in 18 states across India, focusing on government schools with limited English resources. With over 16 years of research backing its approach, Karadi Path has impacted numerous students, enhancing their language skills and overall academic performance.
- Light of Life Trust (LOLT): Felicitated for its significant contributions to rural education and empowerment, LOLT was established in 2002 by Mrs. Villy Doctor. The trust focuses on bridging the education gap for underprivileged children through its flagship program, Anando, which targets school dropouts in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Odisha. Since its inception, the program has positively impacted thousands of lives by providing educational support, skill development, and community engagement. By fostering holistic child development and creating sustainable opportunities, LOLT aims to empower children and their families, contributing to the overall growth of rural communities.
- P&G India: Honoured for P&G Shiksha, an impactful initiative launched in 2005 to provide quality education to underprivileged children across India. Originally focused on building schools, the program has expanded to include innovative educational interventions and improve learning infrastructure. Partnering with over 50 NGOs, P&G Shiksha has reached 4.5 million children, directly impacting their educational journeys. With a focus on 40,000 schools across 22 states, the initiative has resulted in a 60% increase in enrollment and a 70% retention rate for students, ensuring education serves as a transformative tool for marginalized communities.
HEALTH
- HDB Financial Services: Honoured for its Transport Aarogyam Kendra initiative, which is designed to improve the physical health of truck drivers through physiotherapy. Addressing musculoskeletal disorders, the project operates six full-time clinics and organizes free physiotherapy camps across India’s transport hubs. Over 9 million truck drivers, who often face prolonged immobility and strenuous workloads, benefit from preventative care and therapeutic services. Since 2020, the initiative has impacted 300,000+ drivers, offering treatment and raising awareness on maintaining a healthy lifestyle, significantly enhancing their overall well-being.
- Hyundai Motor India Foundation (HMIF): Recognized for their "Sparsh Sanjeevani" initiative, which has established 35 satellite clinics across Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Haryana, and more, aiming to enhance healthcare access in underserved rural communities. Since its launch in January 2021, the initiative has conducted 43,425 consultations, with 55% of beneficiaries being women. Specialist consultations comprised 86% of the total, focusing on prevalent health issues like dermatology and internal medicine. The clinics have introduced cervical cancer vaccines in nine locations, improving women's health awareness and preventive care. With a total project budget of INR 43.9 Cr committed between FY 2021-24, Sparsh Sanjeevani aims to operationalize 50 clinics by 2025, significantly reducing healthcare costs and burdens for rural families.
- Impact Guru Foundation: Recognized for the "Care on Wheels" initiative, which provides healthcare access to underserved communities across multiple states, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Delhi-NCR. Launched in 2014, the program has registered over 104,615 beneficiaries and conducted 240,988 treatments as of March 2024. With a focus on women, children, and the elderly, Care on Wheels aims to enhance health literacy and deliver primary healthcare services directly to doorsteps. The initiative has conducted 928 awareness sessions, benefiting nearly 46,000 participants. With a total project budget of INR 40 Cr for FY 2023-24, it seeks to impact 5 million lives by 2030.
- People to People Health Foundation: Awarded for implementing Sanofi’s Social Impact Program for Type 1 Diabetes. The program aims to improve the health and well-being of T1DM patients by establishing standardized care and a robust support network nationwide. It addresses treatment accessibility for underprivileged patients, closing the insulin access gap and ultimately reducing healthcare costs. It also provides comprehensive training and educational resources to diabetologists, paediatricians, diabetes educators, caregivers, and young patients. Operating in 28 districts across 13 states and 2 UTs, the program has benefited 1,426 children since 2021.
- TVS Srinivasan Services Trust (SST): Awarded for their ongoing healthcare efforts in Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Maharashtra. SST has established 7 health centers and operates 4 mobile medical units in underserved villages providing essential medical services and early diagnosis. They have organised over 1,000 health camps annually, collaborating with government bodies and other organizations. Through infrastructure renovation of 130+ government health centers, SST has significantly improved healthcare access and quality, resulting in over 2.2 lakh consultations annually. In 2023 alone, SST's initiatives reached over 300,000 individuals, provided 150,000 free medical treatments, and ensured access to healthcare for more than 10,000 tribal community members.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND LIVELIHOOD
- Ambuja Cement Foundation: Awarded for their Skill and Livelihood Development Institutes (SEDI)- a robust functional structure to promote productive employment and micro-enterprise courses for the rural youth to uplift them out of poverty. Starting on a modest note in 2005-06 in Pali, Rajasthan, SEDI has 36 centres across 11 states which have trained 1,18,000 rural youth, including 26598 women, till date. They boast of 63% retention of trainees at jobs and enhanced income levels. Furthermore, 20722 SEDI graduates have gone on to start their own enterprises.
- IIT Ropar Technology and Innovation Foundation: Awarded for their Cyber Physical Systems Skill Synergy project for advancing workforce capabilities in AI-driven cyber physical systems and IoT. The project has established CPS labs in 8 higher education institutes, trained over 3,225 individuals, and impacted 709+ educational institutions through certification programs as of March, 2024. The initiative has also facilitated internships, created 820+ jobs, and awarded 1,482 fellowships. By integrating advanced technologies into curricula and offering hands-on experiences, the project is bridging the skills gap in CPS, AI, and IoT, driving innovation and economic growth.
- Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL): Awarded for their Japan India Institute for Manufacturing (JIM) program which has trained over 1700 students, with 62% securing jobs and 8% opting for higher studies. Their uniqueness lies in using a blend of Japanese manufacturing techniques with hands-on training using state-of-the-art equipment. This dual system of training ensures a highly skilled, industry-ready workforce, contributing significantly to local economies and aligning with the 'Skill India' mission. JIM's comprehensive approach prepares students for real-world manufacturing environments, fostering both technical and soft skills.
- Premium Transmission Pvt. Ltd.: Awarded for their SWATI Program which empowers young women from low socioeconomic backgrounds with vocational training and employment opportunities in manufacturing and automation. Implemented in collaboration with Symbiosis, the program has trained 216 women since 2018, with a 100% job placement rate. Notably, 55% of enrollees come from farming families, and 90% have annual incomes below 1 lakh. Graduates have secured positions at companies like BAJAJ Auto, Forbes Marshall, and Volkswagen. The program not only fosters gender equality and economic empowerment but also challenges societal norms, promoting financial independence and deterring early marriages.
- YES Bank: Awarded for their Sustainable Livelihood Programme which focuses on both urban and rural communities. The program has empowered over 9,000 underprivileged youth with market-oriented job skills, ensuring a 70% placement rate and unlocking an economic potential of over INR 30 crores. Additionally, the program has enhanced the income of more than 35,000 farmers, women, and artisans through entrepreneurship initiatives, generating an economic potential of over INR 50 crores. The program integrates traditional and scientific methods, promoting environmental sustainability through agroforestry and innovative water management practices, including the creation of over 10 crore litres of water harvesting potential.
SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENT
- Bisleri International Pvt Ltd: Awarded for their two key initiatives under the Bisleri Greener Promise program- Bottles For Change and Project Nayi Umeed. The campaign focuses on recycling plastic and conserving water to restore used resources and build a sustainable future. As a part of Project Nayi Umeed, Bisleri has built or restored over 250 dams and harvested over 25 billion litres of water. Bottles For Change has been implemented in 20 major cities in India and has sent over 10,329 MT of used plastics for recycling.The company also collaborates with various recycling stakeholders to upcycle their PET bottles, thereby creating employment opportunities.
- Indian Grameen Services: Awarded for promoting environmental sustainability and livelihood in the wetland ecosystem of Chilika Lake in Mangalajodi, Odisha. The project enlists the help of the local community to clear the invasive macrophyte Water Hyacinth from the water bodies. They have also created opportunities for alternate livelihoods for the local community by using their services for craft and compost manufacturing. They are also promoting Regenerative Agriculture (RA) in 13 villages by training 1138 farmersin RA methodologies. Of this, 66% of farmers have already adopted RA practices and are using bio-inputs to cultivate over 528 acres of land.
- Siruthuli: Awarded for Project Nanneer, a water conservation initiative in Tamil Nadu. Siruthuli successfully rejuvenated 18 water bodies across the districts Pudukkottai, Sivagangai, Karur, Erode, and Cuddalore. The project tackled challenges like saltwater intrusion, groundwater depletion, and siltation by desilting ponds, introducing feeder channels, and building percolation ponds. This effort increased water storage by over 2,000 million litres and benefited more than 21,000 farmers by enhancing their agricultural yield. In Cuddalore, a 73-acre lake was revived, improving irrigation. The project also enriched biodiversity, with over 140 bird species observed, including 20-25 endangered ones.
- Society for Development Alternatives: Awarded for the Hamare Talaab, Hamari Pehchaan program that focuses on pond rejuvenation across Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh. Launched in 2019,the project successfully revived 91 water bodies in 74 villages.Their key achievements include rejuvenating 22 water bodies in Fatehpur District, enhancing surface water capacity, and strengthening pond ecosystems in Newari, Madhya Pradesh. Theyalso partnered with the Uttar Pradesh Government to evaluate outcomes for over 8,000 water bodies under the Amrit Sarovar Mission. The program promotes sustainable water management, community empowerment, and improved water access.
ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND NEW TECHNOLOGY INTERVENTIONS
- eVidyaloka Trust: Awarded for the Build Rural Artificial Intelligence Network (BRAIN) program that aims to democratise AI education for rural students and close the digital divide in underserved communities. The program has benefited over 35,000 students across 304 schools in 8 Indian states. eVidyaloka Trust’s AI modules are provided in four languages and they have completed 25,344 live and video sessions so far. The modules introduce students to AI basics while encouraging critical thinkingand creativity. They also train teachers and provide them with the tools to deliver AI education effectively.
- Nirmaan Organization: Awarded for the Technology Education and Learning Support (TEALS) Program 2.0, aimed at addressing the lack of quality computer education in Tamil Nadu’s public schools.The initiative focuses on fostering digital literacyand building a skilled workforce in Tamil Nadu. Running in collaboration with private technology partners and the Tamil Nadugovernment, the project aims to improve computer science education in 120 government schools and reach over 40,000 students. The program has trained 120 teachers, pairing them with tech volunteers to ensure that they get comprehensive training.
- Wadhwani Foundation: Awarded for GenieAI that provides AI-driven education and skills training in over 15 countries. It provides over 1,000 hours of interactive learning in multiple languages, reaching 6 million learners globally, with plans to scale to 10 million by 2027. The platform supports students, job seekers, and entrepreneurs through AI-powered features like “My Tutor”, “My Mentor”, and “My Interview Coach”. It collaborates with platforms like Skill India Digital and NASSCOM Future Prime to reach learners across regions especially those in underserved communities. Along with the Wadhwani Ignite program, GenieAIhas benefited 150,000 entrepreneurs in over 1,000 colleges.
SPECIAL AREA- Dairy Farmers Development
- Jubilant FoodWorks Limited: Awarded for the Dairy Farmers Development Program (Project Unnati), launched in collaboration with BAIF, to improve the livelihoods of dairy farmers in India. Established in 2017, Project Unnati operates 35 Cattle Development Centers (CDCs) across four districts in Maharashtra, covering 185 villages and helping over 7,500 dairy farmers and 40,000 cattle. The program focuses on improving milk yield and quality through training, veterinary care, and sustainable practices. It also helps farmers enhance their income by providing access to the market, increasing productivity, and offering support on financial literacy. The initiative directly impacts rural communities by promoting sustainable dairy farming and economic stability.
SPECIAL AREA- Rural Development
- United Way Bengaluru: Awarded for its impactful initiatives in rural development, particularly through its “Rural Rising” program. This project has transformed the Noolpuzha Gram Panchayat in Wayanad, Kerala, primarily benefiting the particularly vulnerable tribal groups, including Kuruma, Paniya, and Kattunayakan. The program has improved conditions in 41 Anganwadi Centres, supporting 730 children with three nutritious meals daily. Furthermore, 874 Anganwadi workers and school teachers received training, benefiting 13,100 children. By engaging 180 youth in sports and uplifting community health standards, its initiatives have made significant strides in fostering sustainable rural development.
SPECIAL AREA- Welfare of Shepherd Community
- Yerala Projects Society (YPS): Awarded for their initiative Drinking Water Schemes for Shepherd Community in Chandoli which tackled severe water scarcity in the hilly Chandoli area of Maharashtra. From 2015 to 2019, YPS implemented 30 drinking water schemes, benefiting nearly 10,000 people and 14,550 animals across 30 hamlets. Using solar and electrical pumps with gravity-fed systems, this project reduced the burden on women, empowered communities, and fostered long-term sustainability through local ownership and maintenance of water systems. YPS has spent over 40 years uplifting marginalized communities in rural India, particularly focusing on those facing economic and social hardships.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY & INCLUSION
- NeoMotion: Awarded for their innovative mobility devices, NeoMotion has provided 101 beneficiaries in Chennai and Bangalore with customized NeoFly and NeoBolt wheelchairs, enabling them to join Zomato as food delivery partners. In just 220 days, the beneficiaries collectively earned over ₹37,21,380 and delivered 58,000+ orders. The project also set up a 40-bed wheelchair-accessible hostel for outstation participants. This project addresses the critical challenge of mobility faced by individuals with locomotor disabilities, which often limits their employment opportunities.The project’s success highlights the potential for scaling this model across India, with the ability to empower 50,000+ individuals with disabilities in similar jobs.
- SG Analytics Pvt. Ltd.: Awarded for Project Transition aimed at empowering the transgender community. Through partnerships with the PeriFerry Foundation and Solidarity Foundation, the project provided virtual tech training to 10 transgender candidates, successfully placing 8 in IT roles. Additionally, over 50 transgender individuals received soft skills training, supported by 25+ SGA volunteers. The company onboarded 4 transgender employees and facilitated internal LGBT sensitization programs across institutions. With a very small budget of ₹5 lakhs, this initiative is transforming lives and fostering inclusivity within corporate environments.
SOCIAL INCUBATION, RESEARCH & DEVELOPMENT
- Deepak Foundation: Awarded for Project Sangaath which has transformed lives across eight districts, benefiting over 120,000 individuals. Since its inception in 2019, Project Sangaath facilitated the submission of over 263,000 applications, achieving a remarkable 92% approval rate. The project has generated a convergence amount of ₹4,884 crores, ensuring that 100% of households access necessary prerequisites to avail benefits from vital government programs. Established in 1982 and recognized as a Scientific and Industrial Research Organization, Deepak Foundation has mobilized approximately 800 employees to bridge the gap between rural communities and government schemes.
- IIT Ropar Technology and Innovation Foundation (iHub – AWaDH): Awarded for its significant contributions to agriculture and water technology. With funding exceeding ₹110 crore from the Department of Science & Technology, along with investments from corporate partners like Syngenta (₹28 crore), Dassault Systèmes (₹140 crore), and HDFC (₹0.9 crore), AWaDH has incubated over 110 startups and established six Cyber-Physical Systems labs across India. Its innovative initiatives have driven substantial advancements in sustainable practices, impacting communities nationwide through cutting-edge solutions and robust support programs.
WOMEN AND CHILD DEVELOPMENT
- Anil Agarwal Foundation (AAF): Awarded for its flagship initiative, Nand Ghar which has benefitted 2.4 lakh children and 1.8 lakh women. The Foundation operates over 6,000 Nand Ghars across 14 states of India. With a budget of INR 78 crores in the current year alone, this initiative focuses on eradicating malnutrition, providing pre-primary education, and empowering women through skill training and employment opportunities. Nand Ghar aims to transform the 13.7 lakh Anganwadis in India, impacting 7 crore children and 2 crore women. AAF has committed to invest INR 5,000 crore over five years- a promise underscoring its dedication to sustainable community development.
- Shraddha Maanu Foundation: Awarded for their UPASANA project established in 2018 which has trained over 200 marginalized graduate women as part-time educators. The project has improved educational access for over 1,800 underprivileged children across 80 revitalized schools in 12 Tamil Nadu districts. This initiative has created sustainable livelihoods, with 60% of trained women currently employed—20% in SMF FLN centers, 25% as edupreneurs, and 15% as assistant teachers. The foundation aims to expand its reach, impacting 5,000 children and empowering 500 women by 2025, promoting social equity and community development.
WATER, SANITATION AND HYGIENE (WASH)
- Hindustan Zinc Ltd: Awarded for its Drinking Water Project which addresses critical water access issues in Rajasthan. Through a network of 13 RO hubs and 39 ATMs, the project supplies safe drinking water to over 70,000 people across Udaipur, Rajsamand, and Chittorgarh. In tribal areas like Kotda, RO systems have been installed in 53 government institutions, benefiting 28,000 individuals. The project also includes the state's first PPP Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) in Udaipur, processing 60 MLD of wastewater and contributing to sustainable water reuse and community health improvements.
- Karunalya Social Welfare Foundation (KSWF): Awarded for their JAL Adhar initiative which addresses acute water scarcity in Pipad and Bilara blocks of Jodhpur and Rajgarh block in Churu. The project aims to mitigate drought, empower women, and enhance water security for over 70,500 residents and 105,000 livestock. Key interventions include constructing 26 taankas (20,000 liters each) and desilting 40 naadis, capturing 400 million liters of rainwater. These structures provide clean drinking water, improve health and sanitation, reduce women's drudgery, and curb migration during droughts. Local participation in labor and governance ensures sustainability, while innovations like diversion bunds and catchment improvements enhance water collection.
SPORTS
- Roots Foundation: Awarded for their Sports Lab project which addresses the lack of sports education in Punjab and Haryana by providing structured training, professional coaching, and equipped sports labs in government schools. Launched in 2022, the initiative benefits over 7,500 students, with 145+ students scouted for national and international competitions. By fostering a sports culture and breaking gender barriers, the project has transformed lives and empowered underprivileged youth. It highlights community involvement, inclusivity, and a flexible approach for lasting social change. Founded in 2012, Roots Foundation focuses on grassroots interventions across 15+ states.
- Zinc Football Academy: Established in 2017 by the Vedanta Zinc Football & Sports Foundation, the Zinc Football Academy in Zawar, Rajasthan, aims to develop grassroots football while uplifting marginalized communities. The academy offers full scholarships, integrating world-class football training with formal education in partnership with DAV School. In 2023, it received Elite 3-star status from the All-India Football Federation (AIFF). The academy has produced four international players, including Sahil Poonia. Additionally, it trains over 350 rural boys and girls, runs Rajasthan's largest youth football tournament, and has helped over 5,200 players, fostering social development and employment opportunities.
ARTS AND HERITAGE PRESERVATION
- Hand For Handmade (HFH): Awarded for "Haamri Virasat" project which celebrates India's artisanal heritage with a mural of 75 handmade textiles, marking 75 years of the Indian Constitution. This traveling exhibit has reached over 200,000 visitors in major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Ahmedabad, garnering media coverage from Hindustan Times and Vogue. By enhancing artisan visibility and promoting artistic diversity, the project provides income opportunities and engages communities through workshops. Plans for expansion to new cities in 2025 emphasize the importance of community involvement and comprehensive planning in social initiatives.
SOCIAL PROJECTS FOR HOMELESS
- Yerala Projects Society (YPS): Awarded for their project “Concept Housing Support for Widows, Destitute Women, and Disabled Persons” which addresses housing needs in Jalihal, a drought-prone area, aiming to secure land rights for widows and destitute women and provide dignified housing for disabled individuals. It provided housing support to 60 destitute women and 8 disabled individuals within a budget of ₹89,33,900 underscoring the efficiency and scalability of their approach. The initiative has enabled these women to pursue income-generating activities and raised awareness about caring for disabled family members. YPS emphasizes self-sufficiency while respecting cultural identities throughout its initiatives.
BIODIVERSITY AND WILDLIFE CONSERVATION
- The Hans Foundation: Awarded for its Forest Fire Prevention and Mitigation Program in Uttarakhand which aims to reduce forest fire incidents by 80% while preserving biodiversity and supporting local agriculture. The initiative has expanded to 1,700 villages, benefiting 119,790 people and resulting in a 1,172% impact increase. Community engagement is central, with local volunteers trained in firefighting techniques. The program emphasizes co-created, culturally relevant solutions for sustainable environmental conservation and community empowerment. Established in 2009, The Hans Foundation works for marginalized communities and has reaching over 40 million beneficiaries till date.
INDIVIDUAL PHILANTHROPY
- Medhavi Foundation: Established in 2012, the Medhavi Foundation focuses on bridging skill gaps and empowering rural youth across India. With over 220,000 trained candidates and more than 190,000 placements through 200+ Medhavi Skill Academies, including 9 Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Kendras, it collaborates with the NSDC for various initiatives. The foundation launched Medhavi Skills University in 2021. Operating in states like Assam, Bihar, and West Bengal, it employs a blended learning approach while engaging communities through market research.
Winners of TheCSRUniverse Editorial Choice Awards 2024
LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT
- Nandan Nilekani: Mr. Nandan Nilekani is celebrated for his philanthropic efforts through the EkStep Foundation, positively impacting over 10 million children with accessible digital learning resources and innovative educational programs. He co-founded Nilekani Philanthropies, which supports various initiatives in education, health, and technology. As the architect of the Aadhaar project, he enabled over 1.3 billion citizens to obtain unique identification, enhancing access to essential services and welfare schemes. Recognized for his commitment to social change, Nilekani exemplifies the transformative power of technology in driving inclusive growth and educational empowerment across India.
SOCIAL IMPACT LEADERSHIP
- Pt. Madhu Pandit Dasa: Pt. Madhu Pandit Dasa has transformed millions of lives through the Akshaya Patra Foundation. Under his leadership, the foundation has provided over 3 billion nutritious meals to children across India, ensuring that education and hunger are not barriers to learning. With a presence in 14 states and 60+ locations, Akshaya Patra's innovative kitchen operations serve 1.8 million children daily. His unwavering dedication to eradicating classroom hunger continues to drive impactful social change and empower future generations.
- Roshni Nadar Malhotra: Roshni Nadar Malhotra has made significant strides in philanthropy as the chairperson of HCL Technologies and founder of the Vidyagyan School initiative. Under her leadership, HCL Foundation has committed over INR 1,000 crores towards education, health, and environmental sustainability. The foundation's programs have benefited over 1.6 million people, emphasizing her commitment to social change. Vidyagyan has transformed the lives of more than 1,500 underprivileged students by providing high-quality education, ensuring access to resources, and fostering leadership skills to empower future generations.
- Sminu Jindal: Sminu Jindal has been honoured for her tireless efforts towards creating a more inclusive and accessible world for people for over two decades. Her organisation, Svayam, is recognised for its remarkable work in making India’s transportation and infrastructure (including The Taj Mahal, international airports and even Supreme Court of India) barrier free. Under her leadership, Svayam is reshaping societal perspectives through their extensive awareness programs, advocacy, accessibility audits and trainings & workshops.
SOCIAL CHANGE CATALYST
- Aniket Doegar (For Haqdarshak): Mr. Doegar, Founder and CEO of Haqdarshak has been recognised for enabling easier, faster and transparent delivery of government welfare schemes and financial services to the last mile. The organisation has achieved remarkable results through their robust technological platform that is leveraged by trained support agents (Haqdarshaks). Till date, Haqdarshak has impacted 65 lakh citizens and 76693 micro-businesses. With 63 lakh submitted applications, the value of their unlocked benefits amount to a staggering INR 187000 crores.
- Vitamin Angels India (VAI): Vitamin Angels works towards combating malnutrition and improving health outcomes for at-risk populations worldwide. VAI has been awarded for reaching over 16 million children in India with vitamin A supplementation and deworming interventions. They have also made significant strides in the North East regions, particularly with their recent partnership with the National Health Mission (NHM) Nagaland for improving child health outcomes by providing essential micronutrients during the critical first 1,000 days of life.
BEST INDIAN FILM WITH A STRONG SOCIAL MESSAGE
- Laapataa Ladies: The Hindi film Laapataa Ladies has been honored for shining a spotlight on critical issues of gender inequality, women's safety, and the challenges faced by women in rural India. Through its compelling narrative, Laapataa Ladies addresses the importance of empowering women, ensuring their dignity, rights, and visibility in society, and challenges traditional norms that often marginalize women. By amplifying these issues, the film encourages a broader conversation on the need for gender equity and social justice, making it a significant cultural contribution to advancing social awareness and change.
BEST INDIAN TITLE WITH A STRONG SOCIAL MESSAGE
- And They Lived...Ever After: This thought-provoking anthology reimagines classic fairytales through the perspectives of women with disabilities, mental health conditions, and chronic illnesses. By challenging stereotypes and celebrating the resilience of these marginalized communities, the book fosters empathy and deeper understanding, encouraging readers to embrace diverse perspectives. The book is written by 13 disabled women from across India and Sri Lanka and the writers are women with disabilities like deafness, blindness, autism, locomotor, dyslexia, ADHD, psychosocial etc. These writers range from lawyers, professors, entrepreneurs, special educators, marketing professionals and so on. These authors came together to see themselves in popular stories like Ugly Duckling, Rapunzel, Pinocchio, Cinderella, Snow White, etc.
GOING ABOVE AND BEYOND
- PNC Menon: Mr. Menon, Founder and Chairman of Sobha Group, has been honored for Going Above and Beyond in social development and CSR contribution. His visionary leadership has set a benchmark in sustainable development, promoting inclusive growth through initiatives that focus on education, healthcare, and skill development for underserved communities. By investing in social infrastructure and empowering individuals to improve their quality of life, he demonstrates how businesses can play a pivotal role in fostering social equity and long-term societal progress. A signatory of The Giving Pledge, Mr. Menon an inspiring example for the corporate world to create lasting, positive change in society.
SPECIAL CATEGORY: Excellence in ESG Thought Leadership
- Dr. Garima Dadhich and Dr. Ravi Raj Atrey: Dr. Dadhich and Dr. Atrey were awarded the Excellence in ESG Thought Leadership Award 2024 for their insightful contributions through their authored title. Their work delves deeply into Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles, offering a fresh perspective on sustainable business practices and responsible corporate governance. By shedding light on the interconnectedness of environmental stewardship, social responsibility, and ethical governance, the authors provide a roadmap for businesses to balance profitability with purpose. Their thought-provoking analysis encourages companies to adopt sustainable strategies that create long-term value for both society and the environment, positioning them as influential voices in the evolving ESG landscape.
We at TheCSRUniverse feel privileged and extremely proud to be showcasing our winners on this day. We hope that they will inspire corporates, development agencies, policymakers, and other stakeholders to go the extra mile in building the India that Gandhi ji envisioned. “Be the change that you wish to see in the world,” his timeless quote aptly reflects our aspirations. By celebrating these exemplary contributions, we aim to spark a renewed commitment towards creating a just, equitable, and sustainable future for all.
