Santokbaa Humanitarian Award 2026 Celebrates Service and Hope
Santokbaa Humanitarian Award Marks 20 Years of Recognising India’s Social Changemakers
The Santokbaa Humanitarian Award completed two decades of recognising individuals whose work has brought meaningful change to society, with prominent social leaders, healthcare pioneers and development professionals honoured at a ceremony in Surat on Saturday.
The 2026 edition of the award, organised by the Shree Ramkrishna Knowledge Foundation (SRKKF), the philanthropic arm of Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK), was held at the Sanjeev Kumar Auditorium. The event also marked the launch of a new Social Entrepreneur Award aimed at recognising business leaders who create measurable social impact alongside commercial success.
This year’s Santokbaa Humanitarian Award was presented to Padma Shri Dr Gullapalli N. Rao, founder-chair of the LV Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), and Padma Shri Smt. Reema Nanavaty, Director of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA). The inaugural Santokbaa Social Entrepreneur Award was conferred on Shri Srikanth Bolla, founder of Bollant Industries.
The ceremony was attended by several senior public figures, including Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, who served as the Chief Guest. Guests of Honour included Union Minister for Jal Shakti Shri C.R. Patil, Gujarat leader Shri Harsh Sanghavi, and Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, PVSM AVSM VM, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the South Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force.
Honouring Two Decades of Service
The Santokbaa Humanitarian Award was established in 2006 by entrepreneur and philanthropist Shri Govind Dholakia, Founder and Chairman Emeritus of Shree Ramkrishna Exports. The award was created in memory of his mother, Santokbaa, whose values of compassion, honesty and service inspired the initiative.
Over the past 20 years, the award has become one of Gujarat’s notable recognitions for humanitarian service. Previous recipients include industrialist Shri Ratan Tata, Nobel Peace Prize winner Shri Kailash Satyarthi, spiritual leader His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, author and philanthropist Dr Sudha Murty, vaccine manufacturer Dr Cyrus Poonawalla, technology entrepreneur Shri Shiv Nadar, dairy pioneer Dr Verghese Kurien, social reformers Dr Abhay Bang and Dr Rani Bang, and former Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) Chairman Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar.
The award seeks to recognise individuals whose work has improved lives in areas such as healthcare, education, social welfare, science, rural development and community empowerment.
Dr Gullapalli N. Rao’s Contribution to Eye Care
One of this year’s awardees, Dr Gullapalli N. Rao, is widely regarded as a pioneer of accessible eye care in India. He founded the LV Prasad Eye Institute in Hyderabad in 1987 to provide high-quality eye care to people regardless of their ability to pay.
Today, LVPEI has developed into one of the world’s leading eye-care institutions. Its network spans multiple states and has served millions of patients through a model that combines advanced medical treatment, research, education and community outreach. The institute has played a major role in addressing preventable blindness and visual impairment in India.
Receiving the award, Dr Rao said, “The Santokbaa Humanitarian Award represents deeply meaningful values – empathy, service, and a commitment to improving lives. It is truly an honour to receive this recognition and accept it on behalf of the many individuals and institutions who have dedicated themselves to the cause of expanding access to quality eye care. Together, we have witnessed the transformative power of restoring sight, dignity, and opportunity.”
He also praised the systems and organisational culture he observed during his visit to Surat and expressed interest in future collaboration between LVPEI and SRK.
Reema Nanavaty and SEWA’s Work for Women
The second recipient, Smt. Reema Nanavaty has spent decades working to improve the lives of women in the informal economy through SEWA, one of India’s most influential grassroots organisations.
Founded in Ahmedabad in 1972 by Ela Bhatt, SEWA has grown into a movement representing millions of self-employed women workers across sectors such as agriculture, handicrafts, home-based industries and street vending. The organisation focuses on improving income opportunities, social security, healthcare access and financial inclusion for women who often work outside formal employment systems.
Accepting the award, Nanavaty said, “This recognition truly belongs to the millions of women whose resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit continue to inspire us every day. My journey with SEWA has reinforced a simple belief: when women are empowered with opportunity, they become powerful agents of change for their families, communities, and society at large.”
She also suggested that SEWA and SRK could explore future partnerships focused on skill development and community empowerment.
Social Entrepreneur Award Introduced
A significant addition to the 2026 event was the launch of the Santokbaa Social Entrepreneur Award.
The first recipient, Shri Srikanth Bolla, is known for building a successful business despite facing significant barriers as a visually impaired entrepreneur. His company, Bollant Industries, manufactures eco-friendly products using recycled and sustainable materials while creating employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Bolla’s journey has gained national attention as an example of inclusive entrepreneurship. His work has demonstrated how businesses can address social challenges while remaining commercially viable.
Accepting the award, Bolla said, “My journey has taught me that limitations often exist more in perception than in reality. Being the first person to win the Santokbaa Social Entrepreneur Award is special and a reminder of my belief that with the right opportunities, support, and determination, every individual can contribute meaningfully to society and create impact beyond themselves.”
The introduction of the new category reflects a broader trend in India, where social enterprises are increasingly being recognised for addressing issues such as sustainability, employment generation, education and healthcare through innovative business models.
Independent Selection Process
According to organisers, the award recipients are selected through an independent evaluation process involving experts from diverse fields.
The 2026 jury included Prof. Govindan Rangarajan, Director of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru; former ISRO Chairman Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar; Admiral R. Hari Kumar (Retd.), former Chief of the Indian Navy; legal expert Shri Rishabh Shroff of Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas; and entrepreneur Shri Shreyans Dholakia.
The jury assesses nominees based on long-term impact, innovation, leadership and contributions to society.
Messages from Public Leaders
Addressing the gathering, Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh said the award reflects the importance of recognising individuals who work quietly for the betterment of society. He compared the initiative to national efforts that identify and honour grassroots changemakers through the Padma Awards.
He stated, “It is a profound testament to what happens when a society chooses to celebrate service, sacrifice, and compassion over power, wealth, or fame.”
Speaking at the event, Shri Harsh Sanghavi said the award serves as a reminder that public service and community contribution remain important measures of success.
Founder Shri Govind Dholakia reflected on the values that inspired the award and its continuing mission.
“My mother spent all her life in the small village of Dudhala in Gujarat, but her dream for all her children was not simply to succeed in life, but to make our lives meaningful through truth, love, and compassion,” he said.
As the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award completed its twentieth year, the event highlighted the growing role of philanthropy, social innovation and community leadership in addressing some of India’s most pressing challenges.
The recognition of leaders from healthcare, women’s empowerment and inclusive entrepreneurship reflects the broad range of efforts shaping social progress across the country. With the introduction of the Social Entrepreneur Award, organisers have signalled an intention to recognise emerging models that combine business innovation with public good.
Twenty years after its establishment, the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award continues to celebrate individuals whose work demonstrates how service, compassion and leadership can create lasting change in the lives of millions.