Sabarmati gets Shambhavi Puraskar

Odisha Channel Bureau Bhubaneswar: The Shambhavi Puraskar 2016 was awarded to Sabarmati of Sambhav, a nonprofit organisation working on twin issues of gender and environment at Rohibanka in Odisha’s Nayagarh district here today.She was presented the award by Chief Guest Anu Aga, Director Thermax Ltd & Chairperson Teach for India along with Guest of Honour Sachidananda Mohanty, Vice Chancellor, Central University of Odisha, Koraput at a formal function.The award, third in the series, carries a trophy, citation and a cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh.Shambhavi Puraskar was instituted by the Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation in 2014 to recognise excellence and innovation by emerging social catalysts to inspire more people to act as agents of change.Sabarmati has made a phenomenal impact on a wide gamut of areas like conservation of forests, ecological regeneration of waste land, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, promotion of village sanitation and hygiene, and mobilizing and supporting women to deal with gender issues.Not only has she changed the surrounding environment but also the mindset of people by mobilizing them towards environment conservation, organic farming and women empowerment through innovative methods that have become case studies in current socio-economic research.Speaking on the occasion Shaifalika Panda, CEO, BIPF observed “Sabarmati is a perfect example of an indomitable spirit undaunted by social constraints to make the impossible possible through determination, dedication and innovation.Shambhavi Puraskar is a humble effort to celebrate such determined efforts.I congratulate her and am confident there will be many others who will emulate her example.”The Shambhavi Puraskar winner is selected by an independent and eminent Jury panel with representatives from NGOs, civil society, media and BIPF.The function was attended by a large number of representatives from various NGOs, social workers, Govt.officials, and corporate houses.The Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) the social arm of IMFA was set up with a mission of enabling lives of the marginalised groups through sustainable and scalable initiatives.The foundation works in the verticals of education, water & sanitation, skill development, and health initiatives with a special focus on women & children development.