Grass Root Women Role Models Recognized for Outstanding Community work at the CII Annual General Meeting

Women Exemplars, working at the grassroot level, who have contributed significantly in the fields of Education and Health were presented with the Award by  Mr Arun Jaitley, Finance Minister, Government of India. The awardees had been nominated by grassroot NGOs from across the country. Eminent panel of personalities from Industry and social sector selected the awardees.  

Ms P Thayammal received the Award for her outstanding contributions in the field of education in her village Esavankulam in Thoothukudi district, Tamil Nadu. Thayammal, who hails from a poor scheduled caste family from a backward village, where education, especially of a girl child, was neglected, overcame many impediments and assumed the responsibility for ensuring that children in her village receive education. She began her work by starting an Anganwadi centre in front of her house. Through her relentless efforts she facilitated the admission of 250 out-of-school children and enabled more than 40 high school students to avail government schemes for continuing their education in college. Over the last seven years, Thayammal has provided free coaching to nearly 400 students. Children who were destined to work as child labourers are now participating in district level competitions and are aiming for higher education. 

In the category of Health, the award was conferred upon Ms. Pravasini Bangari, for her work towards making health services accessible to the most vulnerable persons in her community, including children with disability, malnourished children and pregnant women in the Jamut village of Balangir District, Odisha. Pravasini initiated her work through door–to-door visits where seeking cooperation from the community especially male members was a challenge. She contributed her personal assets to further her cause. She organized health camps along with the Primary Health Centre to ensure all women and children in her village get access to immunization and nutrition services.  Through her relentless efforts, more than 200 children and 1000 women have received various health and nutrition services and aids under the government programs. Her campaigns on sanitation has led to more than 500 families availing subsidy for the construction of toilets in their homes, leading to reduction of open defecation practices.   

The Award is part of the CII Foundation Women Exemplar Programme which focuses on promoting women’s empowerment at the community level by discovering and recognizing those who have, against all odds, excelled and contributed significantly to positively impact the community. So far 30 Women have been felicitated with this Award. 

Bajaj Group is the presenting Partner of the Award. 

The CII Foundation, set up by CII,  undertakes a wide range of developmental and charitable activities and initiatives pan India by enabling Industry for infusing inclusive development. The Foundation provides a meaningful bridge between marginalised communities and donors, specially corporates by providing strategic guidance on CSR and developing and managing high impact programmes..