39th Jamnalal Bajaj Awards to be presented on 7 Nov in Mumbai

India CSR News Network

MUMBAI: The annual Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation Awards, scheduled on 7 November, 2016 felicitates achievers in the fields of humanitarian activities and Gandhian constructive programme. These awards are presented every year in honor of the birth anniversary of Shri Jamnalal Bajaj and to globally propagate his ideals.

This year the function would be graced by the presence of Chief Guest Arun Jaitley. The acclaimed winners will be felicitated at a special function in Jamshed Bhabha Theatre, NCPA, NCPA Marg, in Nariman Point, Mumbai.

Every year these awards of the Foundation are given to honor and encourage the unprecedented contributions ofindividuals towards the upliftment and development of the society, rural community and the nation, at large.

The four prime categories of awards include three National Awards and one International Award, the objectives of which are elaborated as follows:

Constructive Work – recognizes the nationwide constructive work focusing on Mahatma Gandhi’s eighteen constructive programmes in order to create a self-reliant community.

Application of Science and Technology for Rural Development – recognizes the nationwide contribution of applications of science and technology which are relevant, accessible and affordable to the weaker sections of the society and created an impact on rural and tribal development.

Development and Welfare of Women and Children – recognizes the nationwide contributions towards the development of education, healthcare, livelihood activities and the holistic development of women and children.

Promoting of Gandhian Values Outside India (International award) – recognizes the work of foreign individuals in proliferating Gandhiji’s vision of non-violence, peace, harmony, brotherhood and moral conscience, worldwide.

This year, 53 people from across the country sent applications, recommending 28 names from 14 States in the category of Constructive Work, 11 nominations from 9 States in the category of Application of Science and Technology for Rural Development and 14 applications from 8 States for the award for Development and Welfare of Women and Children. 15 nominations representing 14 countries were received for the International Award.

Each award category consists of a Citation, a Trophy and a special Cash Prize of Rs.10 Lakh.

Shri Jamnalal Bajaj was adopted by Mahatma Gandhi as his fifth son and was the alter ego of the Mahatma in the Gandhian Constructive Movement. The Foundation continues to serve the ideals to which Shri Jamnalalji had dedicated his life to and promotes the kind of Gandhian constructive activities, in which he himself was deeply involved during his lifetime.

Chairman of Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, Rahul Bajaj expresses, “Our values and principles are fused strongly in our diverse society. A country’s ‘social capital’ needs to be shaped and upheld in order to allow sustainable development of its ‘economic capital’.  The societal progress of a country anchors the evolution of all other dimensions. The champions of Jamnalal Bajaj Awards are those who epitomize this philosophy. These ideals gain meaning and expression only through the endeavors of us humans. The acknowledgement and encouragement of the efforts of these individuals is the sole purpose of the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation.”

Dr. Jst. C. S. Dharmadhikari (Retd.), Chairman of the Council of Advisors of the Foundation states, “The Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation has been respected as a Gandhian establishment for almost 4 decades since its inception. Shri Jamnalalji was a true son of India. He dedicated his life to the ideals of Satyagraha, Khadi, the banishment of untouchability and countless other movements that make a vital chunk of India’s freedom struggle.”

Madhur Bajaj, Trustee of Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation states, “The Bajaj family along with the esteemed members of selection committees, the council of advisors and the trustees have been documenting and deliberating the work of individuals in inculcating the true spirit and ideology of the Gandhian principles into our society. The Foundation strives to highlight the dedication of these individuals in order to inspire the million more in India and globally.”