Award presented by Meghashrey Foundation and Shrimati Seema Singh recognises decades of impactful nation-building and rural development initiatives
Mumbai, August 2025: In a grand ceremony at Hotel Sahara Star, Shri Shishir Bajaj, Chairman of Bajaj Foundation and patriarch of the Bajaj Group, was conferred with the Sarvottam Nagrik Sanman 2025. The honour was presented by Meghashrey Foundation and Shrimati Seema Singh to acknowledge individuals whose dedicated efforts have brought meaningful change to society.
The event was graced by the Hon’ble Governor of Maharashtra, Shri C.P. Radhakrishnan, and saw the felicitation conducted by Chairman of Maharashtra Legislative Council Shri Ram Shinde and Cabinet Minister of Culture Shri Ashish Shelar. Distinguished guests included Padma Vibhushan Dr. Anil Kakodkar, Padma Bhushan Dr. Vijay Bhatkar, Padma Shri Dr. Shankar Mahadevan, filmmaker Imtiaz Ali, Padma Bhushan Anupam Kher, and Padma Shri Vijender Singh.
Reflecting on the honour, Shri Shishir Bajaj said, “Our journey began in 1926 when my grandfather, Shri Jamnalal Bajaj, founded the group to support India’s freedom struggle. Since then, we have worked tirelessly in both business and social sectors towards nation-building and making villages Aatmanirbhar. Today, we are active in over 2,000 villages across Rajasthan and Maharashtra, focusing on natural resource development, human resource empowerment, and rural socio-economic progress — paving the way for a Viksit Bharat by 2047.”
Under the leadership of Shri Shishir Bajaj and his sons Kushagra Bajaj and Apoorv Bajaj, the Bajaj Foundation has empowered over 6 lakh families and improved the lives of 22 lakh individuals through initiatives in water conservation, river rejuvenation, micro-irrigation, sustainable agriculture, women empowerment, renewable energy, farmer producer organisations, and transformative education.
Guided by the philosophy of “Nation Building Through Business and Service”, the Bajaj Group has grown into one of India’s most respected and diversified conglomerates. Led by Kushagra Bajaj, its businesses include Bajaj Hindusthan Sugar Ltd., India’s largest integrated sugar company; Bajaj Energy Pvt. Ltd., operating 6 power plants in Uttar Pradesh including the 1,980 MW Lalitpur Power Generation Company Limited; and Bajaj Consumer Care Ltd., a market leader in the premium hair oil segment with its flagship brand Bajaj Almond Drops Hair Oil.
The Sarvottam Nagrik Sanman 2025 stands as a testament to Shri Shishir Bajaj’s enduring commitment to industrial excellence, social responsibility, and the vision of a self-reliant India.
About Bajaj Foundation:
Bajaj Foundation is the CSR arm of the Bajaj Group, working to empower rural communities across India through initiatives in water conservation, agriculture, renewable energy, women empowerment, and education. Its programmes have positively impacted millions, aligning with the Group’s ethos of blending business excellence with social good.