New Delhi, May 9th 2025 — Hero Future Energies in association with The Raman Kant Munjal Foundation (RKMF) honored 11 extraordinary individuals for their contribution towards social impact and leadership. The awards paid tribute to the late Dr. Brijmohan Lal Munjal, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Hero Group, and his lifelong belief of “profit, for people and purpose”.
The winners’ stories were inspirational ranging from outstanding efforts towards resource conservation, sustainability, education, women empowerment and more. For instance, Ashwini Sharma from Watica.org was felicitated for his innovative biodegradable water pouches at the Mahakumbh, offsetting the use of 10 million plastic bottles from being used– a model which state governments are now considering adopting as well. Another winner, Suresh Gopalbhai Chhanga was awarded for leading a silent revolution in enabling and empowering women of villages of Bhuj district. His model has sparked a silent revolution, inspiring over 6,000 villages across India.
Felicitating the winnerss, Rahul Munjal, Chairman and Managing Director, Hero Future Energies, said,. “These awards are not just in memory of Dr. Brijmohan Lal Munjal — they are an extension of his mission of social welfare and of his belief that businesses exist to serve people. Through them we aim to foster a culture of compassion, innovation, and collaboration, and inspire others to contribute to betterment of society. Our long-term vision is to build a strong ecosystem at grass roots level — one that not only celebrates social changemakers, but connects them, supports them, and learns from them.”
“We are committed to building a culture where compassion, courage, and community leadership are celebrated. Each story we heard today reminds us that real change doesn’t start in boardrooms, but in classrooms, villages, and everyday lives.” said Pooja Munjal, Trustee, Raman Kant Munjal Foundation.
The event opened with performances by students from RKMF’s Asha Education Centres and featured an engaging panel discussion on “Transformation of the Social Sector through Tech and Talent,” with thought leaders from Hero Future Energies, Shiv Nadar Foundation, NTPC, and others. The discussion offered sharp insights into how innovation, grassroots leadership, and cross-sector collaboration can accelerate meaningful change.
The heart of the event was the awards ceremony, where outstanding individuals were honored:
- Col. Christopher Rego (Retd.), from Aasraa Trust, for Outstanding Leadership in Promoting Education
- Mr. Suresh Gopalbhai Chhanga, from Utthan, for Outstanding Efforts towards Women’s Empowerment, empowering over 6,000 villages through community-led development.
- Mr. Reyaz Ahmad Ganai, of Govt. Middle School, Sheeri Payeen (Baramulla), for Outstanding Teacher, bringing innovation and empathy into classrooms in Kashmir.
- Mr. Ashwani Sharma, from Save Globe Foundation, for Outstanding Efforts towards Sustainability
- Mr. Vipra Goyal, from SankalpTaru Foundation, for Outstanding Efforts towards Water Conservation
- Mr. Anand Shinde, of Wildlife Conservation Trust, for Outstanding Efforts towards Biodiversity Conservation,
- Ms. Suman, an educator at the Asha Education Centre (RKMF), awarded Outstanding Teacher (Asha Centres)
- Ms. Arju, a volunteer with Project Dhancharcha, for Outstanding Volunteer
- Mr. Sujeet Patidar, from Raman Kant Munjal Foundation, for Outstanding Volunteer (RKMF
- Dr. Kanishh Tayal, alumnus of Raman Munjal Vidya Mandir, for Outstanding Alumnus (RMVM),
- Ms. Preeti, alumnus of Asha Centres, for Outstanding Alumnus (Asha Centres), balancing academic excellence and community engagement.