By Our Correspondent
BHUBANESWAR: In the year 2014, Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) the CSR arm of IMFA Group instituted the prestigious Shambhavi Puraskar to “recognize those who act as agents of social change and motivate others to follow in their footsteps.” On 14th April 2022 the Foundation held its 9th Shambhavi Puraskar award ceremony at Bhubaneswar.
‘Shambhavi Puraskar 2022’ is conferred upon Mr Ratnakar Sahoo by Chief-Guest Mr V K Madhavan (Chief Executive, Water Aid India, New Delhi) and Guest of Honour Dr Ajay Parida (Director, Institute of Life Science) in presence of Ms Paramita Panda (Trustee, BIPF)
Ratnakar Sahoo of Bhubaneswar (District Khurda) is the winner of Shambhavi Puraskar 2022 in the domain of Education. He Founded “ASHAYEN” with a primary objective of educating and improving lives of underprivileged children. His notable work is spread through his unique community based learning centres known as “Ama-Pathashala”. Through “Bridge Education” he not only generates interest for education among street children, but also helps them get admission into formal schools. It is exemplary to note the way he has successfully converted few liquor shops into study centres “Madashala ru Pathshala” to conduct evening classes for street children and slum dwellers. “Ashayen” also focuses on deaddiction and making these children lead an addiction free life. Ratnakar regularly conducts exposure visits and imparts general know-how on life skills, health & hygiene and sensitizing children on good touch & bad touch.
In recognition of his perseverance and commitment in the domain of Education in the district of Khorda, the Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) has the proud privilege of conferring upon Mr Ratnakar Sahoo the Shambhavi Puraskar 2022 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 Certification 2022’ upon Ms. Chinmayee Das of Jarapada (District Angul). As a social activist, she has been vocal about the rights of transgender and through persistent advocacy she has paved a path for them to live a socially acceptable life. Her resolute effort towards opening a ‘Transgender Ward’ in a District Hospital at Angul is admirable. Chinmayee’s idea of “Mo-Pathaghara” (Library), an initiative to inculcate reading habits among children and senior citizens, is simple yet unique. With more than 2000 books, it has opened up a world of knowledge for them. Her commitment and efforts to bring happiness to elderly people and children who lost parents during Covid by instituting an ashram, facilitating medical services for Cancer & HIV patients is heartwarming.
In recognizing the passion and selfless service of Ms Chinmayee Das towards the people of Jarapada (Angul) in the domain of healthcare & advocacy; the Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) has the proud privilege of conferring upon her the Shambhavi Puraskar Jury Commendation Certification 2022 which carries a citation and a cash prize of Rs. 50,000/-.
Shambhavi Puraskar 2022 Jury Panel comprised of notable members Mr Pramod Kumar Merkap (IAS (Retd) – Chairman, Odisha Food Commission), Mr Akshaya Kumar Sahoo (Spl Correspondent, Asian Age), Dr. Sutapa Pati (Academic Dean, XIM University), Mr Debabrata Patra (Associate Director, Action Aid) and Ms Shaifalika Panda (CEO & Trustee of BIPF) Niranjan Mishra, Principal, JN TATA Technical Education Center was the Field Assessor for the 9th edition of Shambhavi Puraskar. Ashok Kumar Behera (Vice President-BIPF) conveyed vote of thanks.
About BIPF: 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, livelihood 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. Currently, the foundation’s geographic focus spans five districts in Odisha (Cuttack, Rayagada, Keonjhar, Jajpur and Angul) which cover nearly 261 villages and has built its reputation on high impact and performance.
