Mahatma Awards 2021 – For Social Impact
Kamla Foundation will be receiving the Mahatma Award at a ceremony in New Delhi, India on October 1st 2021.
The award is in acknowledgment of the social impact of the life changing work of the Foundation. This is an extraordinary moment for the Foundation being recognised by our peers in the charity world as it’s the ultimate validation of our work and impact.
Many of you will be aware that this is the second international award the Foundation has received in the last four years for which we are truly grateful. For us the ultimate measure of our work is not where we stand during moments of comfort and convenience but rather where we stand in moments of challenge and crisis. This has never been more evident than in the past 18 months during the global pandemic. Supporting some of the most disaffected communities in India, we continue to make significant progress towards our understanding of poverty and exploring pathways that are enabling us in creating lasting change.
“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others”.
These simple yet highly thought-provoking words by Mahatma Gandhi have inspired millions across the world to help those in need. The Mahatma Awards celebrates social impact leaders and changemakers across the globe, who are leading the way for a better sustainable future. The awarding committee at Mahatma Awards says, “The Mahatma Awards places a global spotlight on the most remarkable change makers of our time. The Winners recognised, are addressing the multiple problems facing society today, spanning poverty alleviation, hunger, disease, climate change, disaster response/preparedness and much more.
Since its inception, The Mahatma Awards has honoured leading philanthropists, corporations and charitable foundations. Past recipients include the TATA Group, Google, IBM Foundation, Twitter for Good, Microsoft, Rockefeller Foundation and United Nations.
The Award
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The Mahatma award is in recognition of Kamla Foundation’s humanitarian effort in creating lasting change and social impact with some of the most vulnerable communities in India. The Mahatma Award is internationally awarded by the Mahatma Award Committee to promote the work of individuals and organisations, across the world who have made significant contributions to society in the field of poverty alleviation.
“I am humbled and honoured to receive this prestigious award on behalf of Kamla Foundation. My deepest thanks go to the Mahatma Awards Board and to the esteemed Panel of Judges who selected the Foundation. I share this award with all those who have been on this extraordinary journey with the Foundation, in particular our army of dedicated supporters. Finally, this award is a fitting tribute to a remarkable woman – my mother, the inspiration, impetus and guiding light of the Foundation. Through the work done in her name, we continue to cherish her enduring memory”. Bhupendra Mistry – Founding Director
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FOOTNOTE: MEANING OF ‘MAHATMA’ Mahatma is an adaptation of the Sanskrit word mahatman, which literally means “great-soul.” As a general English noun, “mahatma” can refer to any great person; in India. It is used as a term of endearment and reverence.
NATIONAL AWARD – Manchester Prestige Award – Philanthropist of the Year 2019
This highly celebrated Award gives recognition to the work of Kamla Foundation – for transforming the lives of the most vulnerable in society.In particular to honour Bhupendra, for selflessly providing hope, inspiration and a voice for thousands, who otherwise would be exploited and stigmatised.The Judges stressed that “Bhupendra provides a bench mark for delivering significant impact and for being a beacon for change”.
INTERNATIONAL AWARD – Times of India Group Award – Philanthropist of the Year 2018
I am delighted to announce that THE TIMES OF INDIA Group has conferred the NRI (Non Resident Indian) OF THE YEAR Award 2018 for Philanthropy to me. “The Award celebrates the success of remarkable Indians”. Held annually, the NRI of the Year Awards – India’s only distinctive awards for Global Indians, recognises and honours exceptional achievements of Indians who leave the comforts of home for unknown challenges across the globe, going beyond the ordinary to make a huge difference. The Times of India Group has a reach over 100 + countries, across 5 continents, reaching over 3 million Diaspora. Hersha and I attended the award ceremony on July 11th 2018 at Grand Hyatt Mumbai.What the TIMES OF INDIA says…..
Recognising & honouring unsung heroes These heroes are the ones who have made their mark on foreign shores, sheared of the cocoon of one’s Motherland. These Business Leaders, Scientists, Doctors and Philanthropists, are heroes of the contemporary world. They have overcome hurdles, inspired and awed people native of the land they now reside in. With nearly 30 million Indians now living across the world, the NRI of the Year Awards are a testimony to the significant contribution of the Indian Expats, to the immense success of their host nation. The awards are conceptualised as a platform to recognise and accolade these unsung heroes who make all Indians proud and inspire millions back home to further hone their skills and chase their dreams.
