Ludhiana, November 09, 2023 (News Team): Nehru Sidhant Kender Trust, founded in 1983 by the Late Shri Sat Paul Mittal, today conferred the Sat Paul Mittal National Awards and distributed scholarships for the year 2023. The Chief Guest Sardar Kultar Singh Sandhwan, the Honorable Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, bestowed these awards. Also, present was Rakesh Bharti Mittal, the President of the Nehru Sidhant Kender Trust.
The distinguished recipients of the Sat Paul Mittal National Awards 2023 were presented with a collective cash prize of Rs. 12 lakhs along with citations under the following categories:
- Sat Paul Mittal National Award (Platinum) where individual(s) and institution(s) rendering outstanding service to humanity were presented Rs 5 lacs each along with a citation.
- Sat Paul Mittal National Award (Gold) where individual(s) and institution(s) rendering outstanding service to humanity were presented Rs 1 lac each along with a citation.
The Nehru Sidhant Kender Trust sanctioned more than Rs. 1 crore for over 1600+ scholarships across categories, to empower students from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue their educational goals. Prizes were also distributed amongst the winners of the inter-college debate competition.
The Sat Paul Mittal National Award 2023 (Platinum) in the ‘Individual’ category was received by Sakib Khalil Gore
Sakib Khalil Gore's incredible journey, from a truck laborer to a visionary change maker, demonstrates the transformative power of purpose. Despite limited formal education, he established Vision Friend Sakib Gore in Badlapur Gaon, Maharashtra, conducting over 20 lakh free eye check-ups, distributing more than 15 lakh free spectacles, and facilitating over 55,000 free cataract surgeries across 1217 villages and towns. His story is a testament to the impact of determination and compassion in uplifting underserved communities and society as a whole.
The Sat Paul Mittal National Award 2023 (Platinum) in the ‘Institutional’ category the award was conferred to Rajasthan Samgrah Kalyan Sansthan (RSKS India)
Rajasthan Samgrah Kalyan Sansthan (RSKS), established in 1992, has achieved remarkable results over its 30-year journey dedicated to uplifting marginalized women and girls. RSKS educated 1,500 rural women, raised awareness among 25,500 women, imparted financial literacy to 10,800 women, distributed 7,80,000 sanitary napkins, and provided vocational education to 17,500 women. RSKS also facilitated 943 million microloans to 28,700 women through 2,300 Self-Help Groups. RSKS also earned a special consultative status from the United Nations ECOSOC in 2015.
The Sat Paul Mittal National Award 2023 (Gold) in the ‘Individual’ category was received by Devendra Kumar
Devendra Kumar's inspiring journey began in adversity, with a challenging childhood marked by poverty and abandonment. He founded the "Ladli Foundation" to uplift the oppressed, particularly those affected by child marriage and dowry-related issues. Through visionary leadership and extensive community engagement, he provided digital education to 1.57 lakh marginalized students, making an impact valued at 600 Crore INR. During the pandemic, he distributed free tablets and premium subscriptions to underprivileged students, leaving a remarkable impact on society.
The Sat Paul Mittal National Award 2023 (Gold) in the ‘Institutional’ category was conferred to - Project Nanhi Kal
Project Nanhi Kali, established in 1996, is dedicated to enhancing girls' education in India. The project closely monitors each girl's education progress and has been successful in ensuring regular attendance averaging at over 70% year on year, drop-out of less than 10% and over 90% of the girls in the programme complete their schooling and do not drop out before they complete class 10. The project has impacted the lives of over 550,000 girls (called Nanhi Kalis) from underserved communities across 15 states of India. The initiative positively influences society by encouraging more girls to pursue education and emphasizes the importance of improved menstrual hygiene practices. Project Nanhi Kali is a beacon of hope for a brighter and more equitable future for all.
Congratulating the winners, Rakesh Bharti Mittal, President, Nehru Sidhant Kender Trust, said, “Nehru Sidhant Kender Trust is deeply committed to creating an enduring, positive change in society. Today, we celebrate our ‘Exemplars’ for the acts of kindness and service that require sacrifice, compromise and a spirit that goes beyond the call of duty. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to all the awardees for their selfless efforts toward creating a profound impact on our society and empowering others with newer opportunities. I also applaud the winner of the inter-college debate competition and extend my best wishes to the students who have been granted scholarships. Through these recognitions, we hope to inspire a shared commitment towards shaping a brighter future for all, recognizing the pivotal role that education plays and fostering positive transformations in our society.”
The Chief Guest, Sardar Kultar Singh Sandhwan, Hon’ble Speaker of the Punjab Legislative Assembly said, “I would like to commend Nehru Sidhant Kender Trust for their exceptional dedication to supporting and empowering our community. Congratulations to the award recipients for their steadfast efforts in driving a transformational change in society.
Education is a powerful enabler for change. It is my hope that students will strive to unlock their highest potential and focus on contributing to the economic prosperity of our nation. Let us continue to nurture hope and be guiding lights, working collaboratively to create a more compassionate world.
The ‘Sat Paul Mittal National Award (Platinum)’ and ‘Sat Paul Mittal National Award (Gold)’ are given annually for outstanding service to humanity. Every year Nehru Sidhant Kender Trust invites nominations for honouring individuals and institutions working in areas including but not limited to health, education, environment, food, shelter, poverty alleviation, art, culture, child rights, welfare of the differently abled and women empowerment.
Prominent past recipients of the awards include Dr. E. Sreedharan, Dr. S.S. Badrinath, Ms. Ela R. Bhatt, Late Sunil Dutt, Anna Hazare, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, SOS Children's Villages and Swami Vivekananda Youth Movement, Navjyoti Delhi Police Foundation for Correction De-addiction and Rehabilitation among others.