The 45th Jamnalal Bajaj Awards 2023: Saluting the Gandhian Warriors

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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
Trustees, Tribal Health Initiative (THI)

Tamil Nadu

Award for Application of Science & Technology for Rural Development

Dr. Ramalakshmi Datta

Joint Director,
Vivekananda Institute of Biotechnology

West Bengal

Award for Development and Welfare of Women and Children (Instituted in memory of Padma Vibhushan Jankidevi Bajaj)

Sudha Varghese
Secretary, Nari Gunjan

Bihar

International Award for Promoting Gandhian Values Outside India

Raha Naba Kumar
Director & CEO,
Gandhi Ashram Trust

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.”