ఉత్తేజం

The Inspiring Figures and Stories Behind the Prestigious Smt Janki Devi Bajaj Puruskar

The IMC Ladies’ Wing has announced the opening of nominations for the 25th Smt.Jankidevi Bajaj Puraskar (award) for 2017. This award felicitates Indian women entrepreneurs for their contribution to rural businesses and entrepreneurial development.

In the year 1992-93, the IMC Ladies’ Wing – under the presidency of Kiran Bajaj – dedicated its programs to the theme, ‘Discover the Entrepreneur in You’. The members of the group worked closely with people in rural India to promote, support and honour the substantial work being done in the field of entrepreneurship.

The Ladies’ Wing of the IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry is a business and professional women’s organisation with over 2200 members that consists of entrepreneurs, managers, professionals and women from leading business houses.

It’s primary mission is to empower women.

Mrs. Kiranj Bajaj – Past President, IMC Ladies’ Wing

The award was instituted in 1993 in memory of Jankidevi Bajaj, who renounced all her material possessions and helped the downtrodden. A Gandhian at heart, she was committed to selfless service.  Bajaj Electricals Ltd willingly offered to sponsor the award.

Mrs. Indira Mahindra was the former president of IMC Ladies’ Wing and Chairperson of the first awards committee.

Mahatma Gandhi’s personal secretary’s sister, Sushila Nayyar, was called to give away the award to Anusuya Limaye, who worked for to uplift the rural poor in Maharashtra.

Mrs. Kiran Bajaj – Past President, IMC Ladies’ Wing; Eminent Gandhian Dr Sushila Nayar; Mrs. Indira Mahindra – Past President and Chairperson Awards Committee

Over the last twenty-five years, Dr. Justice C. S. Dharmadhikari, a freedom fighter among other things, has chaired the jury for this award.

n inspiring speaker, Justice C. S. Dharmadhikari has also authored several books in Hindi, Marathi and English.

Dr. Justice C S Dharmadhikari

At the age of 14, he participated in the Quit India Movement and has been recognised by the Government of Maharashtra as a Freedom Fighter.

He was the acting Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court from 1972 until his retirement in 1989.

After he retired, he was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2003.

Smt. Anutai Limaye receiving 1st IMC-Ladies’ Wing Jankidevi Bajaj Puraskar-1993 from Shri Rajmohan Gandhi, grandson of Mahatma Gandhi

The award has only grown in importance since its inception, becoming a mascot for the Ladies’ Wing of the IMC.

It is focused on discovering and honouring women entrepreneurs who are dedicated to rural upliftment and business entrepreneurship. This initiative encourages more women to launch scalable and venture capital funded businesses.

Eligibility for the award –

• The nominee must be of Indian nationality.
• The nominee must be a woman.
• She should have made an outstanding contribution to business entrepreneurship by which rural India has benefited and rural society has improved.
• The candidate need not live in rural India/or India
• Self-nominated applications will also be accepted.