By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: On 15th March 2021, Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) celebrated its 10 years of CSR journey and held its 8th Shambhavi Puraskar award ceremony at Bhubaneswar. In the year 2014, Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) instituted the prestigious Shambhavi Puraskar to “recognize those who act as agents of social change and motivate others to follow in their footsteps.”
‘Shambhavi Puraskar 2021’ was conferred upon Khirod Sahoo by Paramita Panda (Trustee of BIPF and Vice-Chairman & Managing Director of UMSL Ltd). Mr Sahoo was chosen for his selfless service and the positive change brought into the lives of many residing in the Angul District of Odisha. Having started this benevolent service at the age of 12 yrs, Khirod believes life is precious and should be saved and has organised several blood donations camps, supporting hundreds of sickles and thalassemia children in crisis, sourcing the rare “Bombay Phenotype” blood for a 28 years old woman is exemplary.
Khirod is available 24×7 for any assistance and this proves his indomitable spirit towards social service. Over the years he has devoted himself for education of the younger generation and awareness on health issues. Through advocacy, he has counselled underprivileged children on the necessity of education and encouraged these children to go back to school. He has been vocal against child marriage, alcoholism, domestic violence & dogmatic social practices. In recognition of his perseverance and commitment in the domain of Health & Advocacy in the district of Angul, the Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) has the proud privilege of conferring upon Mr Khirod Sahoo the Shambhavi Puraskar 2021 which carries a memento, citation and a cash prize of Rs. 2,50,000/-
BIPF also recognizes those individuals who stand out as an example of courage and are the pillars of strength to the community. This year, BIPF conferred the ‘Jury Commendation Certificate 2021’ upon Nibedita Lenka by Aurobindo Behera (Trustee BIPF and retired IAS officer). Popularly known as “Yashoda Maa” Smt. Nibedita Lenka is a motherly support to over 100 meritorious students and has made it her mission to work relentlessly for underprivileged children, troubled teens, abused women and homeless individuals. Under her advice and supervision many youngsters have embarked on a life-changing path resulting in children excelling in their studies, secured a job and embracing livelihood opportunity. In recognizing the passion and selfless service of Nibedita Lenka towards the underprivileged people of Bhubaneswar, the Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) has the proud privilege of conferring and upon her the Shambhavi Puraskar Jury Commendation Certificate 2021, which carries a citation and a cash prize of Rs. 50,000/-.
Speaking on the occasion of Shambhavi Puraskar 2021, Paramita Panda (Trustee BIPF) said “Every individual who works for social impact, to begin with is a self-less person. Only then, do they create the difference. Perseverance, commitment, outstanding contribution, change agents, role model for society, unsung heroes, reaching to the vulnerable; these are not just words for Mr Khirod Sahoo and Mrs Nibedita Lenka but these are the mile-stones of their journey, their effort and dedication to the cause.”
Dr Sudhakar Panda, Director, NISER said “I do hope Shambhavi Puraskar will continue to encourage more and more people to come forward and contribute towards the economic and social development of our state. I also hereby record my appreciation for all applicants, both at the individual & organization level who are devoting themselves for the progress of our society and request them to continue with this noble work”
Shaifalika Panda, CEO, BIPF, said “the commitment shown by our awardees to continue to uplift the vulnerable, especially in these unprecedented circumstances during a pandemic, is exemplary. Mr Sahoo’s interventions save lives and Mrs Lenka bring about intergenerational change in the lives of those she enables. They both are an inspiration for advocacy on social change.”
The programme was graced by Shambhavi Puraskar 2021 Jury Panel, Saroj Kumar Mahapatra (Commissioner of Income Tax, Admn), Dr Sudhakar Panda (Director – NISER), Prof. Dr. Aditya Kumar Mohanty (Founder Chairman, Adruta Children Home) Ashok Pradhan (Senior Assitant Editor, The Times of India). Shaifalika Panda
(CEO – BIPF) attended the event over virtual medium.Dr Basant Kumar (Retd Prof, Researcher, Academician, Freelancer & Legal Consultant) was the Field Assessor for this edition. T C Hota (Executive-VP, BIPF) and Ashok Kumar Behera (VP-BIPF) were among dignitaries present
The Shambhavi Puraskar was instituted by BIPF in 2014 to “recognize those who act as agents of social change and motivate others to follow in their footsteps.” It carries a citation and cash award of Rs. 2,50,000/-The “Shambhavi Jury Commendation Certification carries a citation and a cash award for Rs. 50,000/-
Late Dr. Bansidhar and Mrs. Ila Panda believed that when the most vulnerable are lifted, entire society benefits. With this belief as their ‘true north’, they began to work with the most marginalised communities of Odisha. In 2011, the Bansidhar and Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) was established to implement sustainable and scalable interventions in the areas of health, education, livelohood and water sanitation. BIPF is structured to partner and collaborate with the Central and State governments as well as local and international organisations to implement programs and drive results, while maintaining accountability and transparency. BIPF works in Cuttuck, Rayagada, Keonjhar, Jajpur and Angul districts. Currently, the foundation’s geographic focus spans five districts in Odisha, which cover nearly 200 villages and has built its reputation on high impact and performance.
