Mumbai: November 17:
The prestigious 47th Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation Awards were conferred in Mumbai, celebrating individuals whose impactful work reflects the essence of Gandhian values and humanitarian service. Four distinguished awardees were honoured at the annual ceremony in the presence of Chief Guest HH Pujya Swami Chidanand Saraswati Ji Maharaj; Shekhar Bajaj, Chairman, Board of Trustees of the Foundation; Trustee & Chairman Dr R. A. Mashelkar & Members of the Council of Advisers of the Foundation; and an esteemed gathering. Nobel Peace Laureate Kailash Satyarthi also serves as the Trustee of the Foundation.
Since its inception, the Foundation has commemorated the birth anniversary of Jamnalal Bajaj by honouring individuals who have made significant contributions to humanitarian causes and Gandhian constructive programmes. Each awardee is presented with a Citation, Trophy, and a Cash Prize in recognition of their selfless and committed efforts toward societal upliftment.
This year’s ceremony also marked a quiet moment of remembrance, as it was the first held in the absence of the Late Shri Madhur Bajaj, Trustee of the Foundation, who passed away in April 2025. His steadfast dedication to the Foundation’s mission remains a guiding light.
In 2025, the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation continues the commemorative enhancement introduced in 2023, where the prize amount was elevated from ₹10,00,000 to ₹20,00,000 (and its equivalent in foreign exchange for the International Award) per category. This increase, in tribute to the centennial celebration of Shri Ramkrishna Bajaj, Founder of the Foundation, reaffirms the Foundation’s enduring commitment to honouring Shri Jamnalal Bajaj’s lifelong dedication to Gandhian values and societal progress.
The Awardees for the year (2025) are Hasmukh Babubhai Patel from Gujarat, P. M. Murugesan from Tamil Nadu, Triveni Acharya from Maharashtra and Sekacheva Lyudmila Leonidovna from Russia.
Addressing the occasion, Shekhar Bajaj, Chairman, Board of Trustees, Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, 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 examines the life of Shri Jamnalal Bajaj, one will recognise the tremendous influence 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.”
