Case2-January-2014
Yet another feather in the cap of DHAN Foundation
Development of Humane Action (DHAN) Foundation, was conferred with the SARDA EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AWARD (SEOA) at a glittering ceremony held in Mumbai. Shri M P Vasimalai, Executive Director DHAN Foundation received the award from Shri. Balasaheb Thorat (Minister of Revenue – Government of Maharashtra). The Sarda Equal Opportunity Award ceremony was presided over by Smt. Neela Satyanarayana, State Election Commissioner, Maharashtra. The award was given for its outstanding contribution for women empowerment and poverty alleviation which had a significant impact on livelihood of 8.88,168 families enrolled in 45,330 SHG across different states in the country.
DHAN Foundation has won the prestigious Sarda Equal opportunities award (SEAO) for the year 2013. The national award is given every year for individuals and organizations making exceptional efforts to provide equal opportunities for welfare of women and children, for sustained income generation and education. The focus is on contribution that helps large sections of underprivileged Indians hone skills and fulfill their potential.
The SEOA instituted in 2000 by the Sarda group,
in memory of the late Bastiramji Sarda, a leading
industrialist and philanthropist, carries a cash prize of
र7.5 lakh and a citation. In a unique departure from
the routine SEOA does not depend on nominations. A
surveillance team visits the sites of socially committed
activities done by organizations and individuals and
checks the quantum and quality of work. The awardees
of the year was selected by an eminent jury during the
final selection process.
Our organization was honored with the 14th edition of this award for its outstanding contribution in women empowerment and poverty alleviation through its community banking programme, that has created a significant impact on the livelihood of 8,88168 families by establishing 45,330 Self help group federations and making each of the members self reliant and economically independent. Our work for more than two decades and reach across twelve states, and the success of the model leading to replication of the same by many state governments women development program was acknowledged through this award.
The award ceremony of the same was held on 24th Jan, 2014 at Mumbai and presided over by Smt. Neela Satyanarayana, State Election Commissioner, and Maharashtra.
Shrirang Sarda’s (Trustee-Sarda Charitable Foundation) welcoming the dignitaries and the Awardee stated that “The SARDA EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AWARD (SEOA) is our humble attempt at acknowledging good work across the country and to bring the Awardee into focus, who otherwise are happy doing such impactful work anonymously. We are making a modest effort to recognize people who are working in the social sector as a matter of choice with devotion. Their selfless service brings smiles on the faces of millions of beneficiaries including women and children. It is our privilege and honour to have DHAN as the Awardee for 2014 i.e., the 14th edition of the SEOA”
Speaking on the event, Shri M.P.Vasimalai, Director of DHAN Foundation expressed is delight to accept the award on behalf of DHAN family and said ‘This award for the DHAN family comes as a outcome of good work and collective contribution of all stake holders including the poor communities with whom we work, mainstream institutions, banks and philanthropic organizations. The DHAN community is proud and privileged for being acknowledged by the Sarda Charitable trust. I also thank the jury members for selecting the organization for the award through a transparent process and personally and physically scrutinizing DHAN’s work”. He also added that the emancipation of exploited and under privileged section of the society calls for a much more collective will and collaboration among volunteers, professionals, NGO’s , banks, government and corporate India. Shri. Balasaheb Thorat (Minister of Revenue – Government of Maharashtra) and other dignitaries were present during the event. Mr.Krishnamurti and A.Umarani from DHAN also participated in the award ceremony.