The third Shambhavi Puraskar was awarded to social activist Sabarmatee of Rohibanka in Nayagarh by chief guest Thermax ltd Director and Teach for India chairperson Anu Aga here on Thursday. The award carries a trophy, a citation and a cash prize of `2.5 lakh.
Receiving the award, Sabarmatee said, “I am very happy that a farmer like me was explored from a remote village. I believe in a ‘Milke Chalo’ concept, instead of ‘Ekla Chalo’. We should work together to bring positive changes in every field of the society.”
Sabarmatee has made a phenomenal impact on a wide gamut of areas like conservation of forests, ecological regeneration of wasteland, biodiversity conservation, sustainable agriculture, promotion of village sanitation and hygiene and mobilising and supporting women to deal with gender issues.
“I always try to generate hope among people so that they can be encouraged. I will donate the entire cash prize to the NGO Sambhav,” she declared.
The Sambhav, set up by Sabarmatee, has emerged as a centre of excellence in the State for training and research in organic farming and watershed development. The Shambhavi Puraskar was instituted by the Bansidhar and Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) in 2014.
Anu Aga said, “We have to achieve victory over poverty and illiteracy. These areas should be adequately focused.”
BIPF CEO Shaifalika Panda said, “Sabarmatee is a perfect example of an indomitable spirit undaunted by social constraints to make the impossible possible through determination, dedication and innovation.”
Central University Koraput VC Prof Sachidananda Mohanty and Election Commission of India Senior Advisor Dr Bhagban Prakash also spoke on the occasion.