Bhubaneswar, March 24, 2025: The Bansidhar and Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) awarded the 12th Shambhavi Puraskar to Centre for Integrated Rural and Tribal Development (CIRTD) as a champion of rural transformation. The organisation has dedicated itself to uplifting marginalised tribal and agrarian communities, with a special focus on farmers, women, children, and youth in Sundargarh District, Odisha. In addition, Dr. Sibaji Panda Sonepur, Odisha was honoured for dedicating his life to amplifying the voices of children with hearing impairment, ensuring they are empowered to reach their full potential.
Shri Jayant Singh Chaudhary, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State, Education Department, Government of India presided as the Chief Guest at the event, accompanied Padmashree Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, as the Guest of Honour.
A key highlight of the ceremony was an engaging fireside chat featuring the esteemed Chief Guest, Guest of Honour and young representatives from the skill sector and schools. Moderated by Ms. Shaifalika Panda, the session delved into the aspirations, challenges and future opportunities of today’s youth. The discussion underscored the importance of skill development, career preparedness and a holistic approach to improving employment prospects. This insightful exchange highlighted the role of young changemakers in shaping an inclusive and progressive society.
The ‘Shambhavi Puraskar’ was instituted by Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation in 2014 to encourage and inspire change by celebrating the achievements of silent pioneers who tirelessly work toward developing the community.
Speaking at the 12th Shambhavi Puraskar, Chief Guest Shri Jayant Singh Chaudhary, Hon’ble Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Skill Development & Entrepreneurship and Minister of State, Education Department, Government of India said, “Odisha is a resource rich state and skill development is very important for people here. Institutionally, Odisha is ahead of the game. But like any resource rich region there is economic disparity in the people. To bridge this more entrepreneurs who can give jobs, are needed.”
Over the last decade, through Shambhavi Puraskar, BIPF has supported more than 20 changemakers to widen their reach by exposing them to a wider network of social investors and organizations.
Elaborating on the initiative, Mrs. Shaifalika Panda, Trustee & Founder CEO, BIPF, and Chief of CSR (Special Initiatives), IMFA, added, “Empowering communities is a journey of shared responsibility. True impact comes from listening, engaging, and addressing issues. Through the Shambhavi Puraskar, we celebrate those who choose to lead a journey of unwavering commitment towards creating a more equitable society. As we underscore and commend the work done, I want to congratulate these change-makers for their dedication and efforts in transforming lives at the grassroots level.”
Furthermore, Guest of Honour Padmashree Prof. (Dr.) Ashok Kumar Mahapatra, said, “The transformation begins when we recognize and nurture the potential within communities. BIPF through the Shambhavi Puraskar, recognizes the outstanding work by the awardees to empower marginalized communities and children with hearing impairments. Their work serves as an inspiration for creating a more inclusive and equitable future.”
The awardee selection is based on criteria such as the impact created, sustainability, community participation, scalability, innovation, and the number of beneficiaries. An independent jury panel comprising esteemed leaders from the government, academia, industry, media, and a representative from BIPF adjudicate the winners every year.
The Shambhavi Puraskar includes a cash prize of ₹5,00,000, a citation, and a trophy, while the Jury Commendation Certification carries a cash award of ₹1,00,000 along with a citation.