The Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) recently honored individuals for their exceptional efforts in empowering Odisha’s women and forest-dwelling communities through the prestigious 11th Shambhavi Puraskar. Ranjit Majhi was awarded this honor for his remarkable work in implementing the Forest Rights Act (FRA), particularly in the Sundargarh district. His efforts have enabled forest-dwelling communities across 112 villages to assert their rights over forest land and resources, while also advocating for the conservation and regeneration of the forest ecosystem. In recognition of his dedication to preserving Odisha’s forests, BIPF presented Majhi with the prestigious award along with a cash prize of Rs 2,50,000.
Similarly, Sasmita Mangaraj was recognized with the Jury Commendation Certificate for her outstanding contributions to empowering women at the grassroots level. Despite her humble means, Mangaraj has made significant strides by forming four federations and forty Self-Help Groups (SHGs), involving around 400 beneficiaries in livelihood activities. Her efforts have contributed to fostering financial independence and improved living conditions for women in the region. BIPF acknowledged her exemplary work with the Jury Commendation Certificate and a cash prize of Rs 50,000.
The ceremony was graced by esteemed guests, including Chetna Sinha, Founder and Chairperson of Mann Deshi Bank and Mann Deshi Foundation Maharashtra, as the chief guest, and Lt General C P Mohanty, 42nd Vice-Chief of Army Staff and Member of Armed Forces Tribunal (Delhi), as the guest of honor. Shaifalika Panda, Trustee & Founder CEO, BIPF, and Chief of CSR (Special Initiatives), IMFA, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to serving the underserved and driving social transformation. She highlighted the significance of the Shambhavi Puraskar in providing grassroots leaders in Odisha with a platform to further their vision and ambition towards collective growth. Through their dedication and impactful initiatives, individuals like Ranjit Majhi and Sasmita Mangaraj are instrumental in creating a positive ripple effect of change within their communities, fostering a brighter future for all.
The Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) recently honored individuals for their exceptional efforts in empowering Odisha’s women and forest-dwelling communities through the prestigious 11th Shambhavi Puraskar. Ranjit Majhi was awarded this honor for his remarkable work in implementing the Forest Rights Act (FRA), particularly in the Sundargarh district. His efforts have enabled forest-dwelling communities across 112 villages to assert their rights over forest land and resources, while also advocating for the conservation and regeneration of the forest ecosystem. In recognition of his dedication to preserving Odisha’s forests, BIPF presented Majhi with the prestigious award along with a cash prize of Rs 2,50,000.
Similarly, Sasmita Mangaraj was recognized with the Jury Commendation Certificate for her outstanding contributions to empowering women at the grassroots level. Despite her humble means, Mangaraj has made significant strides by forming four federations and forty Self-Help Groups (SHGs), involving around 400 beneficiaries in livelihood activities. Her efforts have contributed to fostering financial independence and improved living conditions for women in the region. BIPF acknowledged her exemplary work with the Jury Commendation Certificate and a cash prize of Rs 50,000.
The ceremony was graced by esteemed guests, including Chetna Sinha, Founder and Chairperson of Mann Deshi Bank and Mann Deshi Foundation Maharashtra, as the chief guest, and Lt General C P Mohanty, 42nd Vice-Chief of Army Staff and Member of Armed Forces Tribunal (Delhi), as the guest of honor. Shaifalika Panda, Trustee & Founder CEO, BIPF, and Chief of CSR (Special Initiatives), IMFA, emphasized the foundation’s commitment to serving the underserved and driving social transformation. She highlighted the significance of the Shambhavi Puraskar in providing grassroots leaders in Odisha with a platform to further their vision and ambition towards collective growth. Through their dedication and impactful initiatives, individuals like Ranjit Majhi and Sasmita Mangaraj are instrumental in creating a positive ripple effect of change within their communities, fostering a brighter future for all.
