Jankidevi Bajaj award conferred on Shamshad Begum of Chhattisgarh

Mumbai, Jan 9 : The prestigious 25th IMC Ladies Wing Jankidevi Bajaj Puraskar 2017 was conferred on renowned social worker from Chhattisgarh, Shamshad Begum, at a function here on Tuesday.

Begum is the founder-president of NGO Sahyogi Jankalyan Samiti Gunderdehi of Chhattisgarh and was selected for the award for her outstanding contribution towards Rural Entrepreneurship.

The honour was presented by Vinita Bali, former CEO and Managing Director of Britannia Industries Ltd and Chairperson of Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN).

The award has been instituted by the Bajaj Group, representing one of India's leading business families and has been conferred for the past 25 years to an Indian woman who has made significant contribution towards rural business entrepreneurship.

The award ceremony included a panel discussion on "Vision for Rural India" in which leading personalities, including this year's awardee Shamshad Begum participated.

The award, carrying a cash prize of Rs 700,000 was introduced in 1993 by then IMC Ladies Wing President (Mrs) Kiran Bajaj, in memory of the late Gandhian and Padma Vibhushan, (Mrs) Jankidevi Bajaj, the wife of the legendary Jamnalal Bajaj.