Mumbai: The Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation honoured some exemplary individuals for their efforts in humanitarian and social work at the 45th edition of the Jamnalal Bajaj Awards. The four awardees were felicitated in the presence of the Chief Guest – Hon’ble Dr Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud, Chief Justice of India; Shekhar Bajaj, Chairman, Board of Trustees of Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, Members of the Council of Advisers of the Foundation, and the august gathering. Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi is the Trustee of the Foundation, and Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, Former Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, and Chairman of the National Innovation Foundation also serves as the Chairman of the Council of Advisers of the Foundation.
The Foundation commemorates the birth anniversary of Shri Jamnalal Bajaj every year. As a tribute to the great man on this special occasion, the Foundation felicitated achievers in humanitarian activities and Gandhian constructive programmes by presenting them with a citation, a trophy and a cash prize.
In a special tribute to the Centennial Celebrations of the Birth Anniversary of Shri Ramkrishna Bajaj, Founder of the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, it has elevated the prize money from Rs. 10 Lakhs to Rs. 20 Lakhs (or its equivalent in foreign exchange for the International Award) in each award category, effective from 2023 awards.
The Foundation continues to serve the ideals to which Shri Jamnalal Bajaj has dedicatedly been involved during his lifetime.
Award Category |
Awardee Name and Title |
State/Country |
Award for Constructive Work |
Dr. Regi George and Dr. Lalitha Regi |
Tamil Nadu |
Award for Application of Science & Technology for Rural Development |
Dr. Ramalakshmi Datta Joint Director, |
West Bengal |
Award for Development and Welfare of Women and Children (Instituted in memory of Padma Vibhushan Jankidevi Bajaj) |
Sudha Varghese |
Bihar |
International Award for Promoting Gandhian Values Outside India |
Raha Naba Kumar |
Bangladesh |
While addressing the esteemed guests and audience, Shekhar Bajaj, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, said, “Each year, the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation Awards take us on a profound journey, uncovering the stories of unsung heroes committed to selfless service. Our purpose is to acknowledge and champion these individuals whose unwavering dedication propagates the noble ethos of Gandhian values. We are humbled by the substantial increase in nominations, a testament to the growing recognition of individuals who embody Gandhian values. Congratulations to all the winners. Your efforts are instrumental in transforming societies, and we urge others to join in creating a better world.”
Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, Chairman, Council of Advisers, stated, “Our Gandhian Warriors have made yeoman contributions in preserving, propagating, and practising Gandhian values. We salute not only their inspiring life and work but also their way. It is with such amazing perseverance and passion that they have pursued a noble purpose – to create a better world for all – with timeless Gandhian values.”