Plan India, a not for profit organisation striving to advance children’s rights and equality for girls, today announced the winners of the second edition of Plan Impact Awards. The Awards aims at honouring the tireless efforts of community frontline workers and volunteers who are positively contributing to necessary and critical services reaching those most in need at village and district level across the country.
Amitabh Kant, Chief Executive Officer, NITI Aayog and Shabana Azmi, veteran actor and social activist, who were the Chief Guests on the occasion, gave away the awards to the winners. Other delegates who graced the event were Govind Nihalani, Chair Emeritus, Plan India Governing Board and Rathi Vinay Jha, Chairperson, Plan India Governing Board.
Bhagyashri Dengle, Executive Director, Plan India said, “Plan India is committed towards building a strong linkage between communities and government service providers at village, district, state and national level to reach the most disadvantaged sections of society. The Plan India Impact Awards is a demonstration of this commitment. It acknowledges the outstanding efforts of community frontline workers and volunteers while encouraging documentation and dissemination of best practices. It is an ongoing exercise which is witnessing great acceptance from all sections and we hope to continue the same going forward.”
Speaking on the occasion, Amitabh Kant, CEO, NITI Aayog said, “I would also like to congratulate the 7 outstanding winners for their commitment, rigour and dedication to improve the lives of all in their communities. The last mile champions share crucial lifesaving information and facilitate access to transformative programmes and schemes of the government. Their determined efforts compliment the developmental projects owned and initiated by the communities and government. They are truly an inspiration for millions across India.”
Commenting on the occasion, veteran actor and social activist, Shabana Azmi said, “This is my second year with the Plan India Impact Awards. I have seen the awards concept growing. What really defines these awards is the cause. There are very few platforms where the spotlight is on the people who tirelessly work behind the scenes expecting nothing in return. In my long journey as a social activist, I see that the grassroot workers are always at the forefront helping local communities to bring positive and sustainable change. It is remarkable to see how a little bit of encouragement generates a different level of confidence and a true sense of empowerment in these community leaders.”
The Plan India Impact Awards 2018 followed a comprehensive two months method that included an outreach and orientation of more than 190+ NGOs partners, enlisting nominations across 22 states followed by a stringent process review by process partner PricewaterhouseCoopers. These were then followed by Regional Jury Deliberations across north, south and east and north-east region and finally the National Jury Selection leading us to the winners.
The Plan India Impact Awards 2018 has increased its reach from 13 states in 2017 to 22 states this year. The number of nominations have also increased five-fold rising from 53 in 2017 to 289 in 2018.
Winner in the Anganwadi Worker category, Ms. Kanaklata Raula from Odisha, has spent 24 years of her life for women and child healthcare information and support said, “It is encouraging to receive such a national level recognition. I believe our role is critical in both a mother’s and child’s wellbeing and this recognition will not only motivate me but also my co-workers.”
On receiving the award in the Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) category, Ms. Anupam Singh from Uttar Pradesh who is dedicated to health related needs of the community, said, “I have been working as an ASHA for 13 years now and feel very proud of myself. I consider it as my duty to selflessly serve our fellow community members and I like it when people respect us for our knowledge and services that we provide.”
21 years old, Ms. Pari Singh from Jharkhand who received the Youth Champion for Girls’ Rights award said, “There is still a lot of work that needs to be done especially in the area of gender equality, girl’s education, hygiene and sanitation. I think this recognition will also encourage other young members to join in the effort and make change happen on ground.”
Amongst the other categories, from Odisha, Mr. Pitabas Majhi was awarded for his contribution as an Outreach Worker and Mr. Bhagirathi Moharana was awarded in the Community Volunteer category. The Best School Management Committee was awarded to Jhajju, Bikaner district, Rajasthan and the Best Child Welfare Committee was given to Thane, Mumbai, Maharashtra.
About Plan India
Plan India is a nationally registered not for profit organisation striving to advance children’s rights and equality for girls, thus creating a lasting impact in the lives of vulnerable and excluded children and their communities.
Since 1979, Plan India and its partners have improved the lives of millions of children and young people by enabling them access to protection, quality education and healthcare services, a healthy environment, livelihood opportunities and participation in decisions which affect their lives.
Plan India is a member of the Plan International Federation, an independent development and humanitarian organisation that advances children’s rights and equality for girls. Plan International is active in more than 70 countries.
About Plan India Impact Awards
The Plan India Impact Awards is a one of a kind platform in India that recognises and awards exemplary work of grassroots champions who have battled numerous challenges in their lives to bring a change in the society. Instituted in 2017, Plan India Impact Awards are now an annual recognition of positive contribution of community frontline workers and volunteers.