NEW DELHI (India CSR): Minda Corporation Limited has been recognized with the prestigious President’s National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities 2024, under the category “Divyangjano Ke Liye Sarvashrestha Niyokta” (Best Employer for Persons with Disabilities). The award, presented by the President of India, Droupadi Murmu, highlights the company’s outstanding efforts in promoting inclusion, accessibility, and empowerment for persons with disabilities (PwDs).
The award ceremony was held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, bringing together various stakeholders committed to advancing the rights and opportunities for PwDs.
Saksham Initiative: The Driving Force Behind the Award
A Journey of Empowerment Since 2015
The recognition is largely attributed to the work of the Spark Minda Foundation, a subsidiary of Minda Corporation Limited, through its flagship program, Saksham. Launched in 2015, Saksham has impacted the lives of over 21,000 PwDs by addressing their mobility, education, and employment needs.
Employment Opportunities for PwDs
More than 1,200 PwDs are employed across various factories under the Spark Minda Group, showcasing the organization’s commitment to inclusivity in the workplace. These efforts have set a benchmark in the Indian corporate sector for creating equal opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Regional Outreach and Skill Development
Skill Training and Permanent Centers
The foundation has established permanent centers in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand to provide skill training, assistive aids, and livelihood opportunities for PwDs. These centers play a pivotal role in enhancing the employability and independence of beneficiaries.
Annual Camps and Assistive Aids Distribution
In addition to the permanent centers, annual camps are organized in regions such as Jammu & Kashmir, Maharashtra, and Uttarakhand. During these camps, assistive aids such as prosthetics, orthotics, walkers, crutches, and wheelchairs are distributed, helping PwDs lead more independent lives.
Collaborations for Greater Impact
Partnerships with NGOs and Government Bodies
The Spark Minda Foundation has collaborated with over 35 government agencies, NGOs, and organizations to expand skill training and employment opportunities for PwDs. These partnerships have amplified the foundation’s impact, enabling it to reach more beneficiaries and create sustainable change.
Leadership’s Vision for Inclusivity
Remarks from Sarika Minda
Speaking on the occasion, Sarika Minda, Chairperson of Spark Minda Foundation, stated:
“This award is a testament to our commitment to inclusivity and empowering persons with disabilities. It reflects our dedication to creating an equitable society where everyone has access to opportunities and resources.”
Her words underline the foundation’s mission of transforming lives through meaningful and inclusive initiatives.
Recognition and Achievements
Other Prestigious Awards
The National Award adds to Minda Corporation’s growing list of accolades, including recognitions from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI), and the CII-ITC Sustainability Award. These honors further solidify the company’s reputation as a socially responsible and inclusive organization.
You Learn
The President’s National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities underscores Minda Corporation Limited’s unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and empowering PwDs. Through its Saksham initiative and collaborative efforts, the company has set a high standard for corporate social responsibility in India.
As Minda Corporation continues its journey of innovation and impact, the recognition serves as both a milestone and a motivation to further its mission of creating a more inclusive and equitable society.
(India CSR)
