Social Impact Awards 2024
December 5, 2024
SPJIMR’s DoCC organises the Social Impact Awards (SIA) to recognise social enterprises and organisations for their exceptional contributions to society across six award categories: Agriculture and Livelihood, Women Empowerment, Sustainability, Health, Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), and Education & Skill Development.
Since its launch in 2006, SIA has grown to include experts from various sectors who evaluate participants’ impact. It has since expanded in scope, bringing together thought leaders from the corporate, academic, and social sectors to assess the impact of participating organisations. Each year, hundreds of social sector organisations, social enterprises, and corporate social responsibility initiatives participate in SIA enthusiastically.
The 2024 edition witnessed over 490 applications. Following a rigorous evaluation process, which included shortlisting and discussions with jury members, the finalists and winners were selected. The awards highlighted innovative solutions to ‘wicked problems’ and underscored the importance of integrating social sensitivity into management practices.
Prominent speakers and changemakers, such as Nobel Laureate Muhammad Yunus and Ramon Magsaysay awardee Rajendra Singh, have delivered keynote addresses at SIA, inspiring students and participants to align their goals with social impact. This year, the keynote address was delivered by Ramon Magsaysay awardee Bezwada Wilson.
SIA 2024 keynote speaker
Bezwada Wilson, is a prominent Indian activist and co-founder of the Safai Karmachari Andolan (SKA), a human rights organisation that spearheaded efforts to eliminate manual scavenging, a practice banned in India since 1993. His initiatives highlighted the need for systemic change, addressing the exploitation of manual scavengers and promoting their dignity and rights across the nation. He received the prestigious Ramon Magsaysay Award in 2016 for his relentless advocacy and commitment to social justice.
- To identify and recognise exemplary work by social organisations across the county that are making an impact on the society
- To provide a platform for multi-stakeholder projects to showcase themselves and get recognised at the national level
Rajendra Singh, also known as “The Water Man of India,” is a renowned environmentalist and water conservationist. He has dedicated his life to reviving traditional water management techniques, raising awareness about water conservation, and promoting community development. As the Chairman of Tarun Bharat Sangh, he leads various grassroots movements focused on preserving water resources.
Muhammad Yunus, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate, is celebrated for his pioneering work in microfinance. Through the establishment of Grameen Bank in Bangladesh, he introduced the concept of offering small loans to empower disadvantaged individuals, especially women, to initiate businesses and escape poverty. Yunus’s innovative strategy has sparked global initiatives, earning him recognition for his commitment to social entrepreneurship and alleviating poverty.Highlights
490+ applications
200+ organisations
Attended by over 400+ stakeholders across the country
Jury members from 55+ social sector, corporate and academic organisations
Social Impact Award (SIA) 2024 winners
Category: Women Empowerment
Organisation: Ambuja Foundation
State: Maharashtra
Category: Women Empowerment
Organisation: Pink City Rickshaw Limited
State: Rajasthan
Category: Disability
Organisation: Sristi Foundation
State: Tamil Nadu
Category: Sustainability
Organisation: Synergy Sansthan
State: Madhya Pradesh
Category: Agriculture, Livelihood
Organisation: Desi Seed Producer Company Limited
State: Karnataka
Category: Education, Skill Development
Organisation: Madhi Foundation
State: Chennai
Category: WASH
Organisation: Sevalaya
State: Tamil Nadu
Explore the legacy of SIA
Contact
For further details, please contact: sia@spjimr.org