Rewarding true heroes

The Statesman, New Delhi, 20 Mar 2008

Numerous awards have been instituted to recognise the talent and achievements of actors, sports person, designers etc. in their respective fields, but the efforts of those who work selflessly for the betterment of people and society are rarely recognised.

These NGOs - non-governmental organisations - are providing a fillip to the development sector of the country and bringing about a change in society without seeking any material satisfaction.

The Resource Alliance and the Nand & Jeet Khemka Foundation organised the Annual India NGO Awards to recognise the work and excellence of these organisations in different fields.

The 13 finalists selected from all over the country were categorised as small, medium and large. The nominees were assessed on the basis of transparency, accountability, financial sustainability and impact of the work they have done in their fields.

Nominations were not restricted to the well-funded organisations, but extended to the new and small ventures for bringing a smile on the faces of many.

The recipient for best NGO award in the small category was Goonj. In medium category, there was a tie between The Banyan and Childline Foundation of India while the recipient in large category was CRY (Child Rights and You) foundation. Each NGO received a cash prize of Rs 400,000.

The most-awaited ‘NGO of the year award 2007’ was bagged by Goonj. It also received an additional sum of Rs 2 lakh.

Goonj helps poor households in remote and rural areas by distributing old clothes taken from the urban rich. Some of those it caters to are the Moosahari community in Bihar, child labourers in Ferozabad, workers in Tamil Nadu.

“Of the basic needs of ‘Roti, Kapda aur Makaan’ the clothing part is always ignored. Everyone talks about domestic violence and global warming but the most basic thing is left behind,” said Anshu Gupta, founder director, Goonj. Recently, the organisation started producing and distributing low-cost sanitary napkins made from re-useable cotton cloth to prevent marginalised women from various health hazards.

P. Chidambaram, finance minister, and N. R. Narayanamurthy, CEO Infosys, lauded the venture. The finance minister said, “It is a moving experience to witness the work of selfless devoted people who don’t look for monetary gains.”

He also had a word of praise for young men and women. “Seeing youngsters shunning their material desires and finding satisfaction in such noble causes is in itself a gratifying experience.”

Narayanamurthy said, “NGOs are definitely lightening the burden of the government. Certainly such awards are a big motivating factor for NGOs and in the near future India can see more people coming forward for the welfare of humanity."