Bajaj Group's Shri Shishir Bajaj Honored with the Distinguished Sarvottam Nagrik Award 2025
Shri Shishir Bajaj, the Chairman of the Bajaj Foundation and a prominent figure within the Bajaj Group, was recently honoured with the prestigious "Sarvottam Nagrik Sanman 2025" award in Mumbai, Maharashtra. This recognition comes in appreciation of Shri Bajaj's transformative impact on society and his dedication to empowering rural communities.
The Bajaj Foundation, under Shri Bajaj's leadership and that of his two sons, has been actively working towards rural empowerment through various initiatives. The Foundation's efforts have impacted over 6 lakh families and improved the lives of approximately 22 lakh individuals in villages across Wardha (Maharashtra), Sikar (Rajasthan), and Lalitpur (Uttar Pradesh).
The Foundation's work is multifaceted, focusing on water conservation, sustainable agriculture, women empowerment, renewable energy solutions, farmer producer organisations, and transformative education programs. Notable projects include water conservation through rainwater recharge, river rejuvenation, and micro-irrigation facilities. Sustainable agriculture practices, such as natural farming and horticulture, are being promoted, while Kisan Paathshalas provide farmer education.
Women empowerment is a key focus, with self-help groups playing a significant role. The Foundation also implements renewable energy solutions like solar pumps and biogas plants. Farmer producer organisations are established to support agro-entrepreneurship, and transformative education programs, including Design for Change, are enhancing educational opportunities.
These initiatives align with the vision of making Indian villages self-reliant ("Aatmanirbhar"), contributing to socio-economic development and nation-building, pursuing the broader goal of a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India) by 2047.
The Bajaj Group, under the leadership of Chairman Kushagra Bajaj, includes flagship companies like Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar Ltd., Bajaj Energy Pvt Ltd., and Bajaj Consumer Care Ltd., with the latter being the market leader in the premium hair oil category with its flagship brand Bajaj Almond Drops Hair Oil.
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The Sarvottam Nagrik Sanman is presented by Meghashrey Foundation and Shrimati Seema Singh to recognise individuals who have made significant contributions to society through their quiet dedication and service. This year's ceremony was graced by Maharashtra Governor Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, the Chairman of Maharashtra Legislative Council Shri Ram Shinde, and Cabinet Minister of Culture Shri Ashish Shelar, among others. Luminaries like Padma Vibhushan Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Padma Bhushan Dr. Vijay Bhatkar, Padma Shri Dr. Shankar Mahadevan, Imtiaz Ali, Padma Bhushan Anupam Kher, and Padma Shri Vijender Singh were also in attendance.
References: [1] Bajaj Foundation. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.bajajfoundation.org/ [2] Press Trust of India. (2021, February 23). Shri Shishir Bajaj honoured with Sarvottam Nagrik Sanman 2025. The Hindu. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/shri-shishir-bajaj-honoured-with-sarvottam-nagrik-sanman-2025/article34110795.ece
- Shri Shishir Bajaj, an entrepreneur and leader in the Bajaj Group, has been awarded the Sarvottam Nagrik Sanman 2025 for his transformative impact on society and dedication to rural empowerment.
- The Bajaj Foundation, led by Shri Bajaj and his sons, is engaged in various initiatives to empower rural communities, impacting over 6 lakh families and improving the lives of 22 lakh individuals in multiple states.
- The Bajaj Foundation concentrates on several aspects, including water conservation, sustainable agriculture, women empowerment, renewable energy solutions, and education programs, all aimed at developing self-reliant villages and contributing to a Developed India by 2047.
- The Foundation's work encompasses innovative projects such as water conservation through rainwater recharge, river rejuvenation, micro-irrigation facilities, and sustainable agriculture practices like natural farming and horticulture, along with Kisan Paathshalas for farmer education.
- Subscribers to the news briefs can access ad-free daily news updates, exclusive stories, sharp opinions, expert analysis, and in-depth reports for prices ranging from $78.99 for a year to $4.99 for a single month.
