Awards
We are deeply indebted to the unwavering commitment from all our volunteers and donors, as our achievements are shaped by the strength of their support.
We are extremely honoured to have our work recognised by receiving regional, national and international awards. Our work continues to change many lives and we are grateful to everyone who has been part of our journey – helping us to sustain our vision of changing minds and lives.
Mahatma Awards For Social Impact
An international Award
Kamla Foundation received the Mahatma Award at a ceremony in New Delhi, India in October 2021
The Award is an acknowledgement of the social impact of the live-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.
Times of India Group Award
Philanthropist of the Year
An international award
Kamla Foundation received the Times of India Group award at a prestigious ceremony in Mumbai India in June 2018
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.
Manchester Prestige Awards
Philanthropist of the Year
A regional award
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. Awarded in March 2019
The Judges stressed that: “Bhupendra provides a bench mark for delivering significant impact and for being a beacon for change”.
The Kamla Foundation Award
We have given The Hands Award to a very select few individuals whose support has been invaluable over the years to the Foundation. It’s specially made in pewter and sits on a mahogany base. The award depicts a set of helping hands, which reflects the support we have received from the awardees.
The Mahatma Award
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 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
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.
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 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.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 and the most coveted award among global Indians
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.
The awards are given to those who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the wider community through various means such as, support of charitable programs, engineering & leading public awareness campaigns, empowering minorities, supporting the most vulnerable in society and through demonstrating leadership in philanthropy.