Bengaluru: The prestigious “Champions of Change Karnataka” Awards ceremony was held today at Radisson Blu Hotel, Bengaluru Outer Ring Road, in recognition of outstanding contributions towards courage, community service, and social development.
His Excellency Governor of Karnataka, Shri Thawar Chand Gehlot, bestowed Gold Medals and Citations upon the esteemed awardees. Distinguished guests and advisors to the Award Selection Committee included Justice K.G. Balakrishnan (Former Chief Justice of India and ex-Chairman, National Human Rights Commission), Justice Gyan Sudha Mishra (Former Supreme Court Judge), Advocate Nandan Jha (President, Interactive Forum on Indian Economy), Mr. Shyam Jaju (Former National Vice President, Bharatiya Janata Party), and Mr. Dayakar Ratakonda (Former Indian Ambassador).
The illustrious awardees encompass a wide spectrum of luminaries, including Bharat Ratna C N R Rao (renowned Indian Chemist and former Chairman of the Scientific Advisory Council to the Prime Minister), Padma Vibhushan S M Krishna (27th External Affairs Minister, 18th Governor of Maharashtra & 10th Chief Minister of Karnataka), Padma Vibhushan Dr. D Veerendra Heggade (Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha), Padma Shri Tulsi Gowda (Indian Environmentalist), Padma Shri Manjamma Jogathi (Transgender, Folk Artist), Shri Tejasvi Surya (Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha & President of Youth Wing of BJP), Shri Venkatesh Prasad (Indian Former Cricketer and Coach), Shri Vishnuvardhan (Posthumous, Indian Kannada Actor), Dr. V Ravichandran (Indian Kannada Actor & Director), Ms. Khushboo Yadav (CEO, Jio Entertainment Services), Shri Prithvi Raj Singh (Founder, Gameskraft Technologies Pvt. Ltd.), and Anand Sankeshwar (Md, VRL Logistics).
This initiative draws inspiration from the legacy of Bharat Ratna Sir C V Raman, India’s pioneering Nobel laureate in science. Karnataka, with its rich history of freedom fighters and scientific achievements, stands as a beacon of inspiration for the nation.
The esteemed awardees were selected by a Constitutional Jury led by Justice K G Balakrishnan, Former Chief Justice of India and Former Chairman, NHRC.
These awards recognize champions who have made significant contributions in aspirational districts, rural areas, education, health, technology, and science. Special recognition is also extended to those who have played pivotal roles in the development and well-being of women and children, and have demonstrated exceptional dedication during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Champions of Change Award is jointly organized by the Interactive Forum on Indian Economy (IFIE), a non-profit organization certified 80G, 12A, 8A registered by the Government of India, and the Gandhi Mandela Foundation, certified 80G, 12A registered by the Government of India.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of esteemed guests, including Hon’ble former Vice President of India, M. Venkaiah Naidu, Hon’ble former President of India and Bharat Ratna late Shri Pranab Mukherjee, along with Hon’ble Governors and Chief Ministers from various Indian states.