Sant Eshwer Samman has recognised 153 individuals and organisations, distributing over Rs. 3 crore in grants across ten editions
NEW DELHI (India CSR): The Sant Eshwer Samman has completed ten glorious years of recognising India’s unsung heroes—individuals and organisations who have quietly transformed lives across villages, forests, and small towns without seeking fame or reward. Instituted by the Sant Eshwer Foundation in 2015, the Samman stands today as one of the nation’s most credible recognitions of selfless social service, blending the timeless values of sewa (service), compassion, and Indian cultural thought.
An Award Rooted in Indian Values
The Sant Eshwer Samman was founded on a simple yet profound vision — to honour those who serve humanity without expectation. It draws inspiration from India’s ancient philosophy where service to people is seen as service to the Divine. Every award presented under this initiative represents the spirit of Sant Eshwer — the belief that God resides in good deeds.
Over the past decade, the Foundation has identified and celebrated changemakers from the remotest corners of India, from tribal belts of Odisha and Arunachal Pradesh to rural Maharashtra and coastal Andhra Pradesh. These reformers, often working in anonymity, have dedicated their lives to education, women empowerment, environmental conservation, rural innovation, and preservation of Indian thought.
Ten Years of Impact and Inclusion
Since its inception, the Sant Eshwer Samman has recognised 153 individuals and organisations, distributing over Rs. 3 crore in grants across ten editions.
Each year, awardees are chosen through a transparent and rigorous selection process that emphasises sustainability, community participation, and measurable social transformation.
In its 10th edition held in October 2025, 18 outstanding changemakers were honoured, with Rs. 32 lakh in grants disbursed. This milestone edition reaffirmed the Foundation’s commitment to grassroots India — where true nation-building begins.
Structure and Categories of the Award
The Sant Eshwer Samman operates through three core categories, each reflecting a distinct dimension of service:
- Vishisht Sewa Samman – Presented to those who have demonstrated outstanding, long-term social impact.
- Sewa Samman – Recognises consistent grassroots engagement and measurable community transformation.
- Vishesh Sewa Samman – Reserved for institutions or initiatives whose work has achieved national-level impact.
Across these categories, the Samman spans four domains of service — Tribal Development, Rural Development, Women and Child Development, and Special Contribution based on Indian values such as art, literature, self-reliance, and environment.
Symbol of Faith in India’s Grassroots Power
What sets Sant Eshwer Samman apart from other honours is its quiet emphasis on faith and humility. It celebrates not celebrity activists, but the unknown soldiers of social reform — teachers in remote villages, doctors in tribal areas, community organisers, and individuals driven purely by compassion.
Each award carries not just financial support but national visibility, allowing small organisations to attract resources and partnerships for scaling their work. The Foundation believes that social change must be nurtured at the roots, not dictated from the top.
Voices of Inspiration
Kapil Khanna, Founder and Chairman of the Sant Eshwer Foundation, describes the initiative as a “movement of gratitude.”
“The Sant Eshwer Samman is not merely an award—it is an acknowledgment of the invisible hands that hold up our society. These people do not appear on television screens or newspaper front pages, yet they are the moral strength of the nation.”
Vrinda Khanna, National Secretary, adds, “Every Samman is a story of faith. It reminds us that compassion still drives India. The past ten years have shown us the extraordinary power of ordinary people.”
Spirituality Meets Social Action
True to its name, the Sant Eshwer Samman blends spirituality with social responsibility. It views service not as charity but as a sacred duty — a form of worship that elevates both the giver and the receiver.
The award ceremonies themselves are designed as cultural tributes, with music, dance, and literature celebrating Rashtrabhakti and Nari Shakti. A signature coffee-table book released every few years documents the stories of awardees, serving as an educational resource for universities, social organisations, and CSR professionals.
Legacy and the Road Ahead
As it steps into its second decade, the Sant Eshwer Foundation is expanding its footprint. Plans are underway to establish regional chapters, create a National Archive of Changemakers, and collaborate with academic institutions to document grassroots innovations.
The Foundation envisions the Sant Eshwer Samman not just as an annual event, but as a living platform that inspires the next generation of social reformers to continue India’s long tradition of Lok Kalyan — welfare of all.
Key Facts Table
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Initiative | Sant Eshwer Samman |
| Founded By | Sant Eshwer Foundation |
| Founder | Kapil Khanna |
| Year of Inception | 2015 |
| Objective | To honour India’s unsung social reformers and changemakers |
| Total Editions Held | 10 (2015–2025) |
| Total Awardees | 153 individuals and organisations |
| Total Grants Disbursed | Over ₹3 crore |
| Core Categories | Vishisht Sewa Samman, Sewa Samman, Vishesh Sewa Samman |
| Key Focus Areas | Tribal, Rural, Women & Child Development, and Indian Thought |
| Guiding Philosophy | “Service is Worship” – blending spirituality with social action |
(India CSR)
