The founder and president of Nav Bharat Jagriti Kendra (NBJK), Girija Nandan Girija Satish, was honored with the prestigious Jamnalal Bajaj Award for his outstanding contributions to creative social work at the Royal Opera House in Girgaon, Mumbai. The award ceremony, organized by the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, was presided over by chief guest Dr. Abhay Bang. The award included a trophy, a citation, and a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh.
In his acceptance speech, Girija Satish expressed his gratitude, saying that this prestigious award belongs to all the founding members, executive-general body members, volunteers, and donors of NBJK, whose support has helped bring positive changes to the lives of millions of poor, marginalized, and needy individuals in society.
Satish conveyed his thanks to the Jamnalal Bajaj Award Committee, calling the honor a symbol of commitment to Gandhian values. He also voiced his concern about the narrow nationalism, communalism, and racism underlying wars that claim innocent lives across the world, stating that these issues could be resolved through Gandhiji’s principles of Sarvodaya and peaceful methods. Satish urged the government to implement a nationwide prohibition on alcohol and narcotics, even at the cost of economic loss, to build an ethical and developed nation free from heinous crimes like violence, murder, female abuse, and rape.
As the recipient of the 46th Jamnalal Bajaj Award 2024, Satish shared his experiences in development work, emphasizing that rather than applying a model development plan across the country or a state, it is more effective and economical to address the needs of individuals or families directly. Alongside him, Rashmi Bharti, founder of the Avani Society in Uttarakhand, was honored for promoting science and technology in rural development; Dr. Tulsi Munda from Odisha was recognized for her work in women and child development; and Reverend Eric Kumedi from the Gandhian Monk Community in Congo was honored for promoting Gandhian values abroad.
The chief guest, Dr. Abhay Bang, and the awardees were welcomed by the president of the Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation, Shekhar Bajaj. The event was hosted by the foundation’s honorary director, Meenal Bajaj. Also present on stage were Dr. R.A. Mashelkar, chairman of the advisory council, selection committee heads Mr. Sudarshan Iyengar, Dr. Anil Gupta, Dr. Firoza Godrej, and Anu Aga. The event concluded with a vote of thanks by the foundation's trustee, Madhur Bajaj. Submitted by – Vinay Bhatt (Media Cell).
