President Droupadi Murmu offers National Award for Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities to Minda Corporation

New Delhi: In a significant turn of events, President Droupadi Murmu presented the President’s National Award for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities 2024 for Initiative Saksham. Under the category “Divyangjano Ke Liye Sarvashrestha Niyokta” (Best Employer for Persons with Disabilities), Minda Corporation Limited received the President’s National Award at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

Initiative Saksham, launched in 2015, has positively impacted over 21,000 PwDs addressing mobility, education, employment, and overall empowerment needs.

Speaking on the recognition, Ms. Sarika Minda, Chairperson, Spark Minda Foundation, said, “This award is a testament to our collective commitment to empowering persons with disabilities and is a finest expression of ‘Mobility for Everyone’. At Minda Corporation, we believe that inclusion is not just a responsibility but a way to create a more equitable society. Through Saksham, we aim to inspire others to join this journey of breaking barriers and fostering opportunities for all.”

The award recognises Spark Minda Foundation’s (100% Subsidiary of Minda Corporation Limited) flagship initiative, Saksham. Aligned with the foundation’s vision, this initiative has positively impacted the lives of over 21,000 PwDs by addressing their mobility, education and employment needs. To date, over 1,200 PwDs have been employed across Spark Minda factories.

Spark Minda Foundation has also established permanent centres for the empowerment in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. These centers provide skill training, assistive aids, and livelihood opportunities to PwDs. In addition, annual camps are organised in regions such as Jammu & Kashmir, Uttarakhand, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.

To enhance its impact, Spark Minda Foundation has collaborated with more than thirty-five government bodies, NGOs, and organisations to provide employment and skill training for PwDs across India. Through Saksham, PwDs are also supported with assistive aids such as prosthetics, orthotics, walkers, crutches, and wheelchairs, enabling them to lead more independent lives.

The President’s Award adds to Spark Minda Group’s achievements, including recognitions from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) and the CII-ITC Sustainability Award.