Shekhar Bajaj, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, addressing the occasion, said, “Every year, the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation Awards shine a light on extraordinary individuals whose selfless work brings Gandhian values to life in today’s world. This year’s recipients have not only transformed communities but also inspired a deeper commitment to compassion and constructive action. As we celebrate their achievements, we also take a moment to remember Late Shri Madhur Bajaj, whose quiet leadership and deep belief in the Foundation’s purpose remain an integral part of its journey forward. May these stories encourage many more to walk the path of service and social change.”
Dr. R. A. Mashelkar, Chairman of the Council of Advisers, stated, “Our awardees are our modern-day satyagrahis — warriors of conscience who fight with compassion, not confrontation. Each of them has proved that one determined heart can bring light where there was darkness, hope where there was despair. The awardees we honour today are living embodiments of Gandhian resilience, truth, and non-violence. Their work transcends boundaries and generations, proving that the principles of Shri Jamnalalji and Gandhiji remain timeless and transformative. Their dedication not only uplifts communities but also reaffirms our belief in the power of ethical leadership and unity in action.”
Minal Bajaj, Trustee & Hon. Director, Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, stated, “Mahatma Gandhi had said about Shri Jamnalal Bajaj who was adopted as his 5th son that “he did not earn a single rupee through unethical means and whatever he earned, he spent it all for the good of the people.” Rather than an owner, he remained a trustee of his wealth. If one goes through the life of Shri Jamnalal Bajaj, one will recognize the tremendous influence which he had on Gandhiji. Jamanlal ji inspired his whole family to imbibe the Gandhian way of life. Our Awards purely serve these ideals. The Foundation leaves no stone unturned to reach the furthest corners of our country and the globe to identify the hidden gems and they range from those who have transformed the lives of a small community to those who have dared to change the course of history of a nation. Our mission remains steadfast—to celebrate individuals and their selfless dedication.”
About the 2025 Winners
Hasmukh Babubhai Patel
Recipients of the Award for Constructive Work
A lifelong Gandhian and rural development activist, Hasmukh Patel has dedicated over four decades to transforming the lives of marginalized communities in Gujarat. From Khadi promotion to tribal empowerment, his work reflects deep commitment to self-reliance, peace, and sustainable development.
Left home at 20 to dedicate his life to social upliftment, inspired by Gandhian and Sarvodaya leaders.
Played a key role in the Narmada rehabilitation movement under Gandhian leadership.
Founded Samvedana Sarvodaya Kendra, working across 450 villages in Vav-Tharad-Amirgarh.
Helped reduce average childbirth rate from 12 to a sustainable level through family planning awareness.
Freed over 4,000 individuals from alcohol addiction, saving ₹70 lakh annually in the region.
Curbed violent tribal customs like “Chadotaru” through peacebuilding and community engagement.
Built 125 check dams and brought 6,000 hectares under irrigation, boosting tribal incomes.
Enabled 1,000 rural women to gain self-employment through SHGs and handicraft training.
Led disaster relief during the Kutch earthquake without government aid, relying on donors.
Provided free education, meals, and healthcare to thousands of underprivileged children and patients.
P. M. Murugesan
Recipient of the Award for Application of Science and Technology for Rural Development
A farmer-turned-innovator from Tamil Nadu, P. M. Murugesan transformed agricultural waste into a thriving rural enterprise. The banana fiber innovations introduced by him has empowered thousands of women and promoted sustainable livelihoods across India.
Developed machines to extract and process banana fiber from waste stems, replacing harmful burning practices.
Founded Om Banana Craft Pvt. Ltd., producing eco-friendly products like baskets, mats, and bags.
Created rope twining and length-counting machines, tripling productivity and reducing manual labor.
Employed 300 women locally and trained 3,500 women across 9 states in banana fiber craft.
Provided skill training, insurance, and PF benefits to marginalized women workers.
Helped banana farmers earn additional income by purchasing waste banana stems.
Exported products internationally through various channels.
Promoted sustainable waste-to-wealth models in rural communities.
Inspired rural youth to pursue entrepreneurship through innovation and self-reliance.
Triveni Acharya
Recipient of the Award for Development and Welfare of Women and Children
A fearless anti-trafficking crusader, Triveni Acharya has rescued and rehabilitated thousands of trafficked women and children through her organization, Rescue Foundation. Her work exemplifies courage, compassion, and commitment to justice.
Transitioned from journalism to full-time activism after uncovering human trafficking networks.
Founded Rescue Foundation in 2000, operating four rescue homes across India.
Rescued over 7,000 women and girls; provided shelter and care to more than 11,000 survivors.
Led 460 rescue operations since 2019, resulting in 2,041 rescues and 404 trafficker arrests.
Offers comprehensive rehabilitation: health care, trauma counselling, legal aid, and education.
Runs Project Ekatra, empowering survivors to become peer mentors and leaders.
Collaborates with police, embassies, and NGOs for cross-border rescues and repatriation.
Provides vocational training in tailoring, yoga, crafts, and more to support survivor livelihoods.
Focuses on holistic survivor empowerment through education and skill-building.
Advocates for systemic change and awareness to combat trafficking at national and international levels.
Sekacheva Lyudmila Leonidovna
Recipient of the International Award for Promoting Gandhian Values Outside India
A cultural diplomat and educator from Russia, Sekacheva Lyudmila has spent over two decades promoting the philosophies of Mahatma Gandhi and Leo Tolstoy across BRICS nations, fostering peace, nonviolence, and intercultural harmony.
Founded BRICS. World of Traditions to promote Gandhian and Tolstoyan values across BRICS countries.
Organized over 200 projects supporting orphans, veterans, and marginalized communities.
Led the international exhibition “Leo Tolstoy and Mahatma Gandhi: A Unique Heritage” across five countries.
Created the Great BRICS Teachers Project to honor global humanists and moral leaders.
Launched BRICS People Choosing Life, reaching over 10,000 participants with cultural-educational programs.
Established eight educational centers promoting Gandhian and Tolstoyan values in schools and colleges.
Plans to open new centers in Brazil, Iran, Egypt, and South Africa.
Initiated the Message to the World of BRICS People, signed by thousands of youth for peace and harmony.
Advocates for including the “Law of Love” in national constitutions, inspired by Gandhi’s teachings.
Promotes public diplomacy and moral education as tools for global peace and understanding.
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