New Delhi, September 10, 2024 : The Jubilant Bhartia Foundation and the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, the sister organization of the World Economic Forum, honoured Mr Akshay Saxena of Avanti Fellows with the esteemed Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award – India 2024. The award was presented by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas in the presence of distinguished personalities from industry, government and civil society at a ceremony held at New Delhi.
The Minister was speaking at the Award Ceremony of 15th Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award – India 2024 here today. The event organised by the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship and Jubilant Bhartia Foundation, celebrates the incredible achievements and innovations of entrepreneurs who are making a difference by empowering the marginalised and vulnerable sections of Indian society. The Minister said that the “Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award” not only recognises champions of India’s social entrepreneurship movement, but also provides a platform for these companies to expand their reach and explore potential collaboration opportunities.
At the event, Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, commended the finalists for their remarkable ingenuity and dedication. He noted their impressive use of technology, which aligns with the Modi Government’s approach to efficiently deliver welfare services. He emphasized that social enterprises have always been a vital part of Indian life, significantly impacting sectors such as agriculture, health, and education. He highlighted that these enterprises play a crucial role in improving the lives of millions and driving social progress across the country.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Hilde Schwab, Co-Founder and Chairperson of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship highlighted, “Social entrepreneurs have achieved remarkable milestones by addressing challenges in unconventional ways. Today, when the world is moving from an industrial age to an intelligent age, social entrepreneurs are catalysts for innovation and positive impact, benefiting both people and the planet. Their dedication to delivering impactful solutions for unmet needs has been truly extraordinary.”
Mr. Shyam S Bhartia, Chairman and Founder, Jubilant Bhartia Group and Founder Director of Jubilant Bhartia Foundation, congratulated the winner and all the finalists. In a significant announcement, Mr. Shyam Bhartia stated, “I am happy to announce that Jubilant Bhartia Group has signed the Rise Ahead Pledge, a new initiative of the Schwab Foundation and the Global Alliance for Social Entrepreneurship. The Rise Ahead Pledge is a commitment towards increasing investments into social innovation. Thus, Jubilant Bhartia Group has become the first Indian company to sign this pledge.” In alignment with their commitment and the Global Alliance, Mr. Bhartia announced the establishment of the “Jubilant Bhartia Centre for Social Impact” supported by the Schwab Foundation. This centre will nurture emerging innovators and entrepreneurs, foster collaboration among past Social Entrepreneur of the Year (SEOY) winners, and support social start-ups. By offering resources, mentorship, networking opportunities, and world-class facilities, they aim to empower social entrepreneurs to achieve significant societal impact. Additionally, there would be a partnership with IIM-Ahmedabad Ventures.
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Mr. Akshay Saxena on winning the SEOY Award India 2024 shared, “I am delighted! Thank you Jubilant Bhartia Foundation and the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship for recognising us. The recognition given to our work means so much not only to me but the entire team behind this platform. I hope this serves as an inspiration for others to join us in this journey. “
The other finalists for SEOY Award India 2024 were:
- Madhura Dasgupta Sinha, Aspire For Her, Mumbai
- Hunny Bhagchandani, Torchit, Ahmedabad
Mr. Hari S Bhartia, Co- Chairman & Founder, Jubilant Bhartia Group, in his vote of thanks commended the enterprising spirit of social entrepreneurs and said that the corporates can learn from the experience of social innovators, their problem solving abilities to address the needs of the society.