Speech

Shri Ramkrishna Bajaj

1979 Chairman - Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation

Since we met last year, there has been an irreparable loss to our Bajaj family. Our revered Mataji Jankidevi left us forever. She was devoted to the constructive work of Gandhiji throughout her life. Inspired with this, we have initiated one award in her memory from this year, which will be given to a woman or women’s organization for outstanding contribution in the field of social work. Please Note: As video footage of 1979 was not available, the attached video button links to his .... Read More

Mr. Rahul Bajaj (1994)

1994 Chairman - Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation

This is the first occasion since the institution of the annual awards in 1978 that we are meeting without respected Ramkrishnaji Bajaj in our midst. The glorious traditions of philanthropy and constructive work which were the most distinguishing features of my grandfather, Pujya Jamnalalji, were inherited by his two sons, my father, Shri Kamalnayanji and my uncle, Shri Ramkrishnaji. The Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation was set up in 1977 to further the cause of constructive work on Gandhian lines by .... Read More

Mr. Rahul Bajaj (2009)

2009 Chairman - Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation

We are living through a period of unprecedented change. This change is economic, social, environmental and political. During the last two years many iconic names in world business have vanished. Many more have gone into losses. This gives an inkling of the scope and severity of this change. The developed world faces the prospect of slow growth and unemployment. Our economy is integrating rapidly with the global economy exposing us to its opportunities and risks. Hence, we in India have b .... Read More

Mr. Rahul Bajaj (2021)

2021 Chairman, Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation

Hopefully, we are out of the shadow of the epidemic. It has been a trying time for all of us and the world. And a timely reminder that we live in a fragile, inter connected world. A major reason for our lack of development has been our best and brightest wanting to run away. This has been going on since the 1960s. Since liberalisation, India is the best country for Indians, all things considered. There is a Marathi exhortation. “Baghta kaay, saamil vha”, “Why watch, join .... Read More

Mr. Shekhar Bajaj (2022)

2022 Chairman, Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation

My key responsibility is to continue to highlight the good work of our community heroes and their contribution as part of the Jamnalal Bajaj Awards initiative. All our awardees have something in common. They are liberated from external societal pressures, such as cultural and social expectations, political and economic influences. They have attained this unique quality of self-realization. We have witnessed this philosophy in the lives of Mahatma Gandhi and Shri Jamnalal Bajaj. I strongly fee .... Read More

Mr. Shekhar Bajaj (2023)

2023 Chairman, Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation

My father emphasized ethics over profits and highlighted the integral connection between business goals and societal good. His steadfast commitment to these led to the establishment of the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation. Our gathering today is to felicitate and congratulate four exceptional awardees. Their uniqueness lies not just in their accomplishments but in their freedom from external pressures, ego, and material attachments. They embody the ideals that inspired the creation of the Jamna .... Read More

Dr. Justice C.S. Dharmadhikari (Retd.)

2012 Chairman, Council of Advisors - Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, Chief Guest

Someone asked me the reason for correlating the basis of all these awards to Gandhian ideology. It was argued that when service and science and technology are all neutral, what they have to do with Gandhian thought. In this context, I would humbly suggest that if ‘neutrality’ is devoid of sensitivity and empathy, that neutrality is of no avail. A stone is not ‘neutral’; it is totally ‘insensitive’. Mahatma Gandhi considered 'science without empathy& .... Read More

Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee

1998 Prime Minister - India, Chief Guest

Along with the Government’s power, people’s power is essential. To keep a check on the governmental authority as also to save people from its all consuming instinct. We do not want a society where solely the government would take care of you right from the birth till death. We want a self-reliant society; a society with self-esteem. A government can not create such a society. This can be accomplished through constructive work. There are thousands of such people in the country. Tod .... Read More

Prof. Amartya Sen

2005 Nobel Laureate, Chief Guest

So, what is the relevance of Gandhian values in the wide world today? The aspect of Gandhian values that tend to receive most attention, not surprisingly, is the practice of non-violence. Gandhiji’s championing of non-violence, even when facing a violent adversary, has stimulated public reflection and kindled political action in different forms right across the world. Not least of Gandhiji’s influences can be seen in the way courageous and visionary political leaders in many other .... Read More

Dr. Anil Prakash Joshi

2006 Recipient, Application of Science & Technology for Rural Development Award

Since India has two major features like rural dominance and agricultural economy, our focus should have been more on integration of the two. Resource knowledge, status and technology are important factors for the development of rural India. Rural folk have largely been ignorant to this fact, as they were confined to their immediate livelihood incomes they have been gaining through manual labour. There is not approximation of resources rural villages are endowed with. Inventory and status of r .... Read More

Ms. Anne Ferrer

2015 Recipient, Development & Welfare of Women and Children Award

Working with a very small group of local volunteers and almost without funds we set about the seemingly impossible task of trying to bring hope back into people’s lives and more important than that, that they themselves can be the ones to bring that change and be the leaders of their own development. My dear friends, it has never ceased to amaze me how much can be achieved with great faith and determination. I have witnessed an amazing progress in families who many years ago were sh .... Read More

Mr. Anupam Mishra

2011 Recipient, Application of Science & Technology for Rural Development Award

Poet Iqbal had referred to thousands of rivers playing in the lap of our country. Since then, all these rivers have become polluted or dead as they have dried up. The level of water has dipped lower than the level of our politics. Under such trying circumstances, we have, during last 30 years, handled the simple-liquid water in some small and big measures. We looked at the society with faith and trust - society which understood the geo-climatic conditions of their area and chalked out a w .... Read More

Ms. Anutai Wagh

1985 Recipient, Development and Welfare of Women and Children Award

Adivasi children are little kings of the jungle. Be it hot sun, or cold, or heavy rains, they move about in the jungle freely; they climb up the trees, jump about, scale up the mountains and come down speedily. They swim in the river, catch fish, hunt birds. They run behind hares and deers, can eat even raw fruits. By the very nature, they are fearless, always smiling. They have sharp eyes and strong brains and are used to self-help. Really speaking, they are a treasure of precious gems; but .... Read More

Mr. Arun Jaitley

2017 Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Government of India, Chief Guest

I think the first element you have, to fight poverty in India, is that the society must have resources to fight poverty.You need a high level of growth. Growth brings resources. So the policy of the State which achieves a higher level of growth is absolutely necessary. But, will that growth itself alone remove poverty? The answer obviously is no. If growth alone won’t remove poverty, the benefits of that additional resource, which the State has, then has to get transferred through vario .... Read More

Swami Baba Ramdev

2009 Founder, Patanjali Yogpeeth, Chief Guest

This dignified function today is a celebration of the service to humanity, to our country. It is a tribute to the spirit of service and sacrifice, to the message of Gandhiji and legacy of Jamnalalji. Gandhiji had devoted his whole life for the freedom of our country. But what we have today is not the country of Gandhiji's dream; this is the country of the dream of the British. Even after such decline in values and prevalence of rampant corruption, we are a country with nuclear p .... Read More

Mr. Bhawani Shanker Kusum

2019 Recipient, Constructive Work Award

I am wondering if I am even eligible to receive the award in the name of such great son of the country, Sri Jamnalalji Bajaj. I offer my most respectful regards to his dignified personality, sacrifice, dedication and continuing work. Gandhiji gave me the power to think, inspire action and live life in a meaningful way. There’s a verse in Ishavashyopanishad, which Gandhiji believed to be the basic foundation of Indian culture, it says - 'Kurvan Neveha Karmani Jiji Vishchichatam Samah .... Read More

Dr. Justice Chandrashekhar Dharmadhikari

2016 Chairman, Council of Advisors - Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, Chief Guest

A unique aspect of this year’s honoured dignitaries is that they have contributed greatly for empowerment of the women. In this era of globalization or mechanization, the situation has not improved significantly. Rather “modernization and mechanization are trending to marginalize women in many sectors. They are either pushed down or out of the workforce.” The Government has formulated some schemes for the women; but they do not reach to them yet. Life of these award .... Read More

Mr. Chewang Norphel

2010 Recipient, Application of Science & Technology for Rural Development Award

"Flash floods, deficient and erratic snowfall, outbreaks of pests, extended wintry conditions and delayed release of water from the glaciers and the resultant scarcity of water for sowing crops are some of the nature’s perplexing manifestations the region has been experiencing over the last two decades. The natural and man induced factors led us to the innovation of the technology of ‘Artificial Glacier’, a technology with social, economic and environmental relevan .... Read More

Mr. Chunibhai Vaidya

2010 Recipient, Constructive Work Award

“Vinobaji counted two types of social work – Relief Work and Revolutionary Work. He had instructed that if you want to do the revolutionary work of changing the social order, then do not establish any institution. Why? Because in that case, you will have to depend on ‘funds’ and the ‘administration’. You will not be able to speak and conduct freely. I tried my level best to follow his path – I did not establish any institution; so there is no building .... Read More

Hon'ble Dr. Justice Dhananjaya Y Chandrachud

2023 Chief Justice of India

While many nations have faltered achieving independence and struggling with true self-governance, India stands out. Our ability to sustain democracy is unique. Some attribute this to our internalized democratic and constitutional values, while others point to our democracy's foundation as inclusion and pluralistic culture, embracing humanity. Our winners, who work within communities, exemplify the unique ability to step into the background, contribute to the greater good, and assist t .... Read More

Ms. Gaura Devi

1984 Recipient, Development and Welfare of Women and Children Award

Perhaps you may not be much acquainted with Himachal Pradesh. I would like to tell you that even today our habitations are situated at inaccessible locations like up on mountains and deep down in the valleys. It had been extremely difficult to reach the places where there was no means of transport, the roads were no broader than footways, and that too, covered with ice. By the grace of God and with the inspiration of Gandhiji, I could visit such places. To fulfill the objectives of the Kastur .... Read More

Dr. Herbert Schambeck

1990 Vice - President, Federal Council of the Republic of Austria, Chief Guest

Since the Jamnalal Bajaj Awards are given for constructive work in the Gandhian tradition, it seems most befitting to choose for my address the topic “The relevance of Mahatma Gandhi in the modern world". This gives me, a Western European by origin, and a Christian by faith, an opportunity to reflect on the lasting impact of the life and teaching of one of our greatest contemporaries, an Asian by origin, and a Hindu by faith, after more than forty years having passed since his unti .... Read More

Ms. Indira Gandhi

1982 Prime Minister of India, Chief Guest

Gandhi initiated many waves in our country. The freedom movement was biggest of them all. But he told us from the very beginning that if constructive work is not undertaken, the freedom movement will not get the desired strength. At the same time, we would not be able to achieve the goal for which we want freedom, that is, development. For complete speech, please click on the PDF button to download Read More

Mr. Ismail Serageldin

2006 Recipient, International Award for Promoting Gandhian Values Outside India

Today, incredible wealth is accompanied by a remarkable lack of caring for the weak and the marginalized… But a world divided cannot survive. The human family cannot live partly rich and mostly poor. We must change the world. We must harness the emerging universal values of our common humanity, and see beyond individual wealth and growth of GNP (Gross National Product)… and remember, as Robert Kennedy said, that: "The Gross National Product does not allow for the health of .... Read More

Mr. Kailash Satyarthi (2014)

2014 Nobel Peace Laureate, Chief Guest

The speeches given by all the award winners and the judges were like musical compositions. I wanted them to keep speaking and not stop. I am not saying this because I am giving away these awards but I am really feeling very small to give away awards to these giants. If I sit by their feet and learn about humanitarian issues and Gandhian philosophy it will take me 15-20 years just to learn what they know. I would like to thank Rahul Bhai for giving me this opportunity to present the presti .... Read More

Mr. Kailash Satyarthi (2021)

2021 Nobel Peace Laureate, Chief Guest

When I look at all the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation award winners among us, I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment as they have propagated the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi. They are like bright rays of hope who are doing outstanding philanthropic work to raise the underprivileged from destitution. This is not just an award, but a tradition. When stalwarts from the business sector, like that of Shri Jamnalalji’s successors, take development ahead, it reforms society. The world needs fou .... Read More

Mr. Kailash Satyarthi (2023)

2023 Trustee, Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation

Even in the event of a new generation being born here, a single candle can break through millions of years of darkness and remind the younger generation that the sun will rise eventually. Our awardees are these lighted candles. Listening to their words here today, I felt that Gandhiji cannot die; no one can kill Gandhi. Where there is truth, where there is talk of bringing smiles, where there is a desire for peace, love and compassion, there Gandhi is alive. Read More

Mr. M. Venkaiah Naidu

2018 Vice-President of India, Chief Guest

Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, by giving these Awards is honouring the people who are the inspiration for selfless constructive work of rural reconstruction. 'Care and Share' and 'Vasudhev Kutumbakam'- the whole world is one family' - are two cornerstones of Indian culture. And these awardees are living epitome of this culture. Jamnalal Bajaj was a freedom fighter, a proponent of Gandhiji's constructive programmes, an industrialist, and a philanthropist. It is apprecia .... Read More

Dr. Manmohan Singh

2001 Minister of Finance, Government of India, Chief Guest

Despite significant industrialization, even today the proportion of our people dependent on the agriculture has declined only marginally since independence. At the same time, the share of the agriculture in our national income has declined drastically from 50% at the time of independence to less than 25% now. As a result the gap in per capita income and living standards between rural India and urban India has greatly widened, giving rise to increasing social tensions as well as violence in ma .... Read More

Mr. Mansukhbhai Prajapati

2022 Recipient, Application of Science & Technology for Rural Development

I brought the forgotten pottery work back to life by inventing various modern clay products and crafted mechanical setup with lower investment. Gandhiji propagated to develop products in India, from the sources available in India i.e., Swadeshi banayein (produce locally) and Swadeshi apnayein (adapt locally). This philosophy of Gandhiji has been the root cause in making these developments. People had to migrate to different locations in search of work, while my new developments made industria .... Read More

Mr. Mohammad Imran Khan Mewati

2019 Recipient, Application of Science & Technology for Rural Development Award

Talent is the only accrued capital of mankind, and it should never be allowed to go vain. Everyone should get equal opportunity for education. Education is the only medium through which every lagging family or society can leapfrog in a forward direction. With quality education, many big issues like social evils will certainly come under control. The responsibility of all of us is not just to live for ourselves, but also to live for the betterment of the society. We all must think in the direc .... Read More

Mr. Mohan Hirabai Hiralal

2016 Recipient, Constructive Work Award

In terms of the spirit of the Constitution, the country means ‘we, the people’. To have the same power and prestige is everyone’s prerogative. If we believe in this axiom, we will have to follow the non-violent path of taking decisions by consensus instead of the violent path of taking decisions by majority. Power is inherent in every human being. Its revelation needs two basic structures and one slogan. The two basic structures are: 1. Gramsabha/Mohallasabha: The prim .... Read More

Mr. Mohan Parikh

1984 Recipient, Application of Science & Technology for Rural Development Award

While studying the agricultural implements, I could get an idea about the direction in which research centres of India are going. But if I have to name a guru or a guide in the matter of improvement of agricultural implements, I would say it is the farmer. Only after knowing the problems of farmers that I could see the direction clearly and draw a programme for that. For complete speech, please click on the PDF button to download Read More

Mr. N. R. Narayana Murthy

2006 Chairman - Infosys Technologies Limited, Chief Guest

Today, 10.7 Million children do not live to see their fifth birthday, and more than 2.5 billion people-40% of the global population are forced to survive with less than $2 a day. According to James D. Wolfenson, former World Bank chief, “poor people don’t want charity. They want a chance, they want an opportunity, they want recognition, they want voice, they want peace and they want to fix the future themselves, and if they do, all of us will live a better life’’. Pove .... Read More

Mr. Nilesh Desai

2022 Recipient, Constructive Work

Simplicity, equality, collectivism, cooperation and frugality are the principal elements of the rich traditions of tribal society. It also forms the essence of Mahatma Gandhi's teachings. The journey of social development which started with constructive work, reached Satyagraha movements, while continuing social reforms. Not working for people but working with people only leads to success. When programs are planned and implemented in accordance with the know-how of the people and their ne .... Read More

Dr. Ogarit Younan

2022 Recipient, International Award

For us, the story began four decades ago…To spread Non-Violence in Lebanon and in other Arab countries: it was a challenge, an adventure. Especially since we set out when we were young in 1983 in the midst of the civil war in Lebanon. Our path made its way between the war barriers that smashed the country, while we insisted on acting and going to all regions, and on more than one occasion we were exposed to the danger of death or disappearance... The word Non-Violence is evident in .... Read More

Dr. P. C. Alexander

1999 Governor of Maharashtra, Chief Guest

On the social plane, fear had gripped the society - fear of the peasant about the landlord, fear of the ordinary person in the rural areas or towns about the oppressive powers or the minions of the Government, whether a sub inspector or a Tehsildar or whoever. Even the maharajas and princes who had life and death power over their own people lived in great fear of the political legend or the resident in their own States. They were terribly scared of the British representative in their midst. E .... Read More

Mr. P.V. Narsimha Rao

1986 Home Minister, Government of India, Chief Guest

(Read in absentia) It is my conviction that Human Resource Development holds the key to the future of our country. There was a time when progress of mankind was considered to be primarily the result of economic development, i.e. improvement in the material means of life. And economic development was supposed to be the consequence of investment of capital in the form of machinery and materials and also the money which bought them. Economists were totally pre-occupied, in fact obsessed, wi .... Read More

Mr. Popatlal Shah

1984 Recipient, Constructive Work Award

Through the spirit of service, self-reliance, co-operation, and love for the society, the social worker should continue to undertake various kinds of constructive activities. Their work should be expanded and developed. It is my heart’s desire that constructive work should continue getting the desired encouragement so that the suffering of the society could be alleviated. Under the present atmosphere, some people express disappointment about constructive work. But what is the alternativ .... Read More

Mr. Pranab Mukherjee

2013 President of India, Chief Guest

I would not just congratulate them but would like to express my deep appreciation for their work. At the same time, I appreciate the recognition given by Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation in choosing these selfless contributors to the development of the society. I am sure the award winners will provide us the leadership for selfless sacrifice for the cause of humanity. Till there are people like these who are working silently, selflessly for the advancement of society, we will continue to have th .... Read More

Ms. Pratibha Patil

2010 President of India, Chief Guest

There are many complementarities that exist between farming communities and the corporate world, because both are private enterprises. The possibilities of a win-win partnership between agriculture and industry should be fully explored. We must not forget that the food security of India is dependent on the growth of the agriculture. We should aim at enhancing productivity by using better technology and innovative farming practices, with the active participation of the Panchayats to usher in a .... Read More

Mr. Raha Naba Kumar

2023 Recipient, International Award

About 34 years back, I joined the Gandhi Ashram. From then I am working to promote Gandhian ideology in Bangladesh. Initially, my journey was not so pleasant. Sometimes it was life threatening. I had to cross so many obstacles, but finally community people chose me as their friend. But there is still a long way to go for the sustainability of our activities. I have a plan to establish an educational institute where people will receive higher studies in Gandhian studies, peace, non-violence, e .... Read More

Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, FRS (2022)

2022 Former Director General, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research; Chairman, National Innovation Foundation & Chairman, Council of Advisers, Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation

India, very proudly, is celebrating India@75. We are now talking about India@100. What worries me is that during these celebrations, we rarely talk about Bharat@75. The pandemic hit the poor of our Bharat the most. Millions of our brothers and sisters moved from poverty to extreme poverty. The levels of deprivation, divisiveness, joblessness, human suffering have increased. How can we talk about India@100 without talking about Bharat@100? Let’s not forget that 70% of India lives in rura .... Read More

Dr. Raghunath Mashelkar, FRS (2023)

2023 Chairman, Council of Advisors, Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation

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 the way. It is with such amazing perseverance and passion, they have pursued a noble purpose, to create a better world for all, with timeless Gandhian values. For complete speech, please click on the PDF button to download Read More

Dr. R.A. Mashelkar (2019)

2019 Chairman, Council of Advisors - Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation

I have been associated with these most prestigious awards for well over a decade now. And I have learnt so much from Justice Dharmadhikari. To me, Justice Dharmadhikari was not an individual. He was an institution. An institution of integrity, conviction and courage. Individuals come and go but institutions live on. So I pay my humble homage to the memory of this immortal institution called Justice Dharmadhikari, which will continue to inspire us for generations to come. And for generatio .... Read More

Dr. R.A. Mashelkar (2021)

2021 Chairman, Council of Advisors - Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation

The Gandhian principles continue to remain important today. Why do I say this? Because the more things change in India, the more they remain the same at least in some cases, where human dignity is at stake. More significantly, the Gandhian principles have become even more important now in the post-pandemic era than they were before the pandemic. Let’s see why. The coronavirus pandemic hit humanity very hard. We witnessed the painful loss of millions of lives and livelihoods. The ent .... Read More

Mr. R. Venkataraman

1985 Vice-President of India, Chief Guest

The freshness of some occasions remains unaffected by repetition and the passage of time. The annual presenting of the Jamnalal Bajaj Awards belongs to this category. Without doubt this is in a large measure due to the stature of the man Jamnalal Bajaj in whose memory the awards have been instituted. For complete speech, please click on the PDF button to download Read More

Sheikh Rached Ghannouchi

2016 Recipient, International Award for Promoting Gandhian Values Outside India

Tunisia’s model of inclusiveness, dialogue and compromise sends an important message – it sends a message to Tunisian society that despite our differences, we can always overcome divisions. It also sends a message to some of our neighbors that coexistence is always possible, if we have the will and commitment to make it happen. Tunisia still has a long way to go today. We urgently need to create opportunity and hope for our young people, through providing jobs and ensuring a decen .... Read More

Prof. Rajmohan Gandhi

2015 Historian, Biographer and Peace-Builder, Chief Guest

During the old struggle which led to these Awards, the question was, ‘How do we free ourselves from the domination of the British Empire?’ Today the question is, ‘What will Rising India do for the world?’ Are we ready for this new role? Will India’s performance be better than that of smaller Western powers when they were the top dogs? As we in India reflect on our global role, we need to think also of life inside India and in Indian society. In their .... Read More

Dr. Ramalakshmi Datta

2023 Recipient, Application of Science & Technology for Rural Development

The challenge was to simplify and demonstrate the relevant agribiotech technologies, especially plant tissue culture and make the rural girls realize that they can use it for their benefit and for the betterment of the whole community. 'Try to bring out the best in yourself, as well as in others. The future depends on what you do at present. Try to be the best in whatever you are and wherever you are.' These thoughts I always try to follow while skilling, reskilling the village girls .... Read More

Swami Ranganathananda

1988 Vice President, Ramakrishna Mission, Chief Guest

We can say that sometimes the foreigners may make better use of Gandhiji than we did. There is one Cesar Chavez in America. There was a strike by Grey Pickers in the California. They wanted more salary and could not get from the owners. Chavez was the leader of the Union. He started a satyagraha. He had Gandhiji’s photo in his own office room. He fought for the labour class, using Gandhiji’s methods without any violence and a settlement came between the owners and the workers. Sim .... Read More

Dr. Rani Abhay Bang

2006 Recipient, Development & Welfare of Women and Children Award

I will speak about the work to be done and three major challenges are waiting. (1) Nearly half a million women and five million children die all over the world in a year and India contribute its maximum to this death toll. This is national shame. The approach developed by our organization SEARCH to empower the women to solve this problem has a potential to reduce children's death by 50%. To scale up this model approach from 100 villages to 5 lakh villages - that is a big challenge awaitin .... Read More

Dr. Regi George & Dr. Lalitha Regi

2023 Recipients, Outstanding Contribution in Constructive Work

It is the recognition of a tumultuous journey where we stumbled and fell many times, but persisted to experiment a unique vision on what doctors could do if they wanted to. From starting off with a mud and thatch hut built by the Adivasis, to a fully-fledged secondary care hospital, from working with women to empowering them in health, we have come a long way. We sat down with the community and extended our work to include an Organic Farming Collective, a Women Entrepreneurship Society and th .... Read More

Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev

2019 Founder, Isha Foundation, Chief Guest

Without self-transformation, transforming the society, transforming the world is just an empty talk. It is time human beings invested in this. Society is not an entity by itself. Society is in a way a composite of what all of us are. If we don’t make this one peaceful, if we don’t make this one conflict free within ourselves the rest is going to be endless talk. What does pleasantness mean? If your body becomes pleasant we call this health, you want it, you must choose I am go .... Read More

Mr. Sanjit Bunker Roy

1985 Recipient, Application of Science & Technology for Rural Development Award

A large percentage of these ostensibly highly qualified people neither have the interest nor the inclination to work in the rural areas and their presence is destructively counter-productive. It is more than a question of overskill; it is a question of attitudes which isolates them from the rural poor. Yet we post them by the thousands in villages expecting wonders from this man or woman who looks down on the poor and considers him inferior, illiterate and backward. I am neither a scienti .... Read More

Ms. Shaheen Mistri

2019 Recipient, Development & Welfare of Women and Children Award

I seek to do more for more children because these are not stories that I’ve heard or invented. There is a lot that I do not know, but I do know this. If our children dream not tomorrow, but today. If they believe, not in the way things are but in the way they can be. If they are given opportunities to learn, not just in school but from life. If they love, both themselves and everyone around them, then the world will be a better world - Gentler, Kinder, Fairer. The world will lose a litt .... Read More

Ms. Sonia Deotto

2019 Recipient, International Award for Promoting Gandhian Values Outside India

An aspiration arises to create instead of destroy, and with it, the intention to offer our hands, heart and head, to educate ourselves and educate each other in the practice of ahimsa or love - the most powerful instrument of peace regeneration on the planet. In a collective journey towards the common well-being and autonomy of the people, we invoke the insistence on truth, for the power of ahimsa. We can all be artists of ahimsa in this `World Participative Theatre’ For complete sp .... Read More

Ms. Sophia Shaik

2022 Recipient, Development & Welfare of Women and Children

I have contributed in my small way by emboldening the deprived classes of the society, particularly the oppressed and suppressed womenfolk to exercise their rights and empower themselves by acquiring special skills. I have been fighting consistently for the cause of victims spanning from victims of domestic violence to that of talaq by getting them shelter, education and conscientize the working class about their rights. They are now not afraid of raising their voice against the injustice in .... Read More

Sr. Sudha Varghese

2023 Recipient, Development & Welfare of Women and Children

My journey with the most marginalised Musahar community people has impacted my life as a person. We concentrated on the women and oriented them for educating their children and to learn the habit of saving. My community women did not know that rape is a crime, so I had to explain this to them and took them to the police station to file the first rape case of an adolescent girl. Over the 21 years, I lived with this community, I have lived a thousand deaths and lived a thousand lives. Being wit .... Read More

Mr. T.S. Avinashilingam

1985 Recipient, Constructive Work Award

Our national unity cannot be on the basis of a common political ideology or language as in other countries. Our national integration does not mean unity of language or religion. It is as we have proclaimed many times, unity in diversity. The basis of national integration should be widely shared goals and values, commitment to ‘Indianness’ without sacrificing the identity of sub-cultures. For complete speech, please click on the PDF button to download Read More

Ms. Vidhya Das

2013 Recipient, Development & Welfare of Women and Children Award

A sense of niggling discomfort affects me, a discomfort born of the fact that poverty and hunger are still a constant companion to millions of people in this country, and that our efforts are but a drop in the ocean of deprivation that affects tribes, and other underprivileged sections. Our progressive laws and policies are yet to reach the majority of these people, who struggle in the unorganised sector, and lead a hand to mouth existence. Our policy makers are worried about growth rate of t .... Read More

Mr. Viren J. Shah

2003 Governor of West Bengal, Chief Guest

There appears to be a crisis in governance. There seems to be a growing culture of intolerance and insensitivity wherever and whenever the poor and the weak raise their voices to assert their legal and Constitutional rights. Empowerment of the masses through the enforcement of their legal rights seems to be an anathema to the governing establishment cutting across the party lines. All the noble ideas and maxims enshrined in the Directive Principles of State Policy are far from being realized .... Read More

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