About Us

We Serve India is an initiative by Forbes India in collaboration with Lions Clubs International, dedicated to honoring the selfless efforts of those who are committed to making India a better place. This campaign celebrates the impactful work being done across vital areas like Women Empowerment, Education, Health, Wildlife Protection, and Environmental Conservation, spotlighting the real-life heroes who are driving meaningful change. Through this initiative, we aim to inspire a national movement of service, encouraging individuals and organizations to take up projects that transform lives and create a brighter future for all. Join us in recognizing those who serve with dedication, and together, let’s build a stronger, more compassionate India. Together, we can truly make a difference!

Who can participate?

Participants applying for the awards must be Indian citizens and at least 18 years of age as of March 31, 2024.

    Individuals applying for the awards can be anyone of the following :

    • Social entrepreneurs running a NGO, NPO, Foundation or equivalent entities in India. (Individuals who aim to create a positive social impact through their initiative with an aim to generate enough revenue to sustain operations and expand their reach).

    • Professionals working in an NGO, NPO, Foundation or equivalent entities in India.

    • An individual independently working without any affiliation to a foundation or corporate backing.

    Award Categories

    Educational Learning & Skill Development

    This category recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to providing education and skill development opportunities for marginalized communities, including underprivileged children, girls, and economically disadvantaged individuals.

    Healthcare and Sanitation

    This category recognizes individuals who have dedicated themselves to enhancing healthcare services and sanitation practices in India. Initiatives can focus on providing medical care, promoting hygiene, addressing healthcare disparities, and ensuring access to clean water, proper sanitation facilities, and preventive healthcare services in underserved communities.

    Women Upliftment and Employment

    This category recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to empowering women through employment opportunities and skill development. These changemakers focus on creating pathways for women to achieve economic independence, build careers, and overcome barriers to employment, thereby promoting gender equality and social empowerment

    Agriculture and Water conservation

    This category recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to sustainable agriculture and water conservation. These changemakers implement innovative practices to improve agricultural productivity, ensure sustainable use of water resources, and promote environmental stewardship, benefiting farming communities and ecosystems.

    Waste Reduction and Recycling

    This category recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to reducing waste and promoting recycling efforts in their communities. These changemakers implement innovative practices and programs to minimize waste generation, enhance recycling processes, and foster environmental sustainability, particularly in underserved or high-impact areas.

    Wildlife Conservation

    This award recognizes individuals who have demonstrated significant contributions to the preservation and protection of wildlife. Initiatives can focus on efforts to safeguard natural habitats, protect endangered species, promote biodiversity or sustainable conservation practices. Initiative should have a measurable impact on wildlife populations or ecosystems and inspire others to engage in conservation efforts for the long-term well-being of the environment.

    METHODOLOGY

    Forbes India “We Serve India Awards 2024” presented by the Lions Clubs International is a cause-related initiative that will identify and felicitate individuals whose exceptional efforts have significantly contributed to the betterment of the community across six categories within India.

    Educational Learning & Skill Development

    Women Upliftment and Employment

    Waste Reduction and Recycling

    Healthcare and Sanitation

    Agriculture and Water conservation

    Wildlife Conservation

    Nominations are invited across the following zones. 

    East

    Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha, West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura

    West

    Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli & Daman and Diu (UT), Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh

    North

    Jammu & Kashmir (UT), Ladakh (UT), Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh (UT), Uttarakhand, Delhi (UT), Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan

    South

    Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Puducherry (UT), Andaman and Nicobar Islands (UT), Lakshadweep (UT)

    After submission of the application form, the entries will undergo evaluation by a distinguished jury, which will shortlist six winners from each zone. These zonal winners will be felicitated at dedicated zonal award ceremonies.

    Subsequently, these winners will compete at the national level, evaluated by a distinguished National Jury panel. One winner and one runner-up will be felicitated in each of the six categories, alongside three special editorial commendations, at the National Awards ceremony.

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