From social work to using science and technology for rural development, the 38th Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation Awards were here today given to individuals for their outstanding contribution in promoting Gandhian values.
The award for achievement in the field of constructive work was given to Man Singh Rawat of Sarvodaya Sevak (Uttarakhand), while award for application of science and technology for rural development went to P Vivekanandan, founder of Sustainable Agriculture and Environmental Voluntary Action (Tamil Nadu).
Award for development and welfare of women and children was bagged by Anne Ferrer, founder-member and executive director of Rural Development Trust (Andhra Pradesh) and the international award for promoting Gandhian values outside India was bagged by Minoru Kasai, professor emeritus, International Christian University (Japan).
Renowned historian and biographer Rajmohan Gandhi gave away the awards that carries a trophy and a cash prize of Rs 10 lakh each, in the presence of Rahul Bajaj, chairman of Board of Trustees and Justice C S Dharmadhikari (retd), chairman, Council of Advisors of the Foundation.
"The Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation awards continue to serve the ideals to which Jamnalal Bajaj had dedicated his life and promotes the constructive Gandhian endeavours, in which he was deeply rooted throughout his life," Rajmohan Gandhi said on the occasion.
Rahul Bajaj said, "The Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation award winners are worthy of this recognition given their enduring efforts towards bringing about social and economic enhancement in the lives of people. These winners are a true inspiration to the world with their relentless and unwavering commitment towards being catalyst for social change."
The awards were institutionalised nearly four decades back to recognise and honour the social activists, who have committed their lives in embracing Gandhian values and serving humanity.
