Bhubaneswar: The prestigious Shambhavi Puraskar 2017 was awarded to Shri Hari Sankar Rout at a formal function held on 16th April 2017 at Bhubaneswar. Chief Guest, Shri Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (Independent Charge), Govt. of India, and Guest of Honour Prof Swapan Kumar Datta, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Visva-Bharati University, Santiniketan, West Bengal, presented the award to Shri Rout. The Shambhavi Puraskar was instituted in 2014 by Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF), is an innovative award that will act as a game changer in inspiring more people to be benevolent.
The recipient Shri Hari Sankar Rout, an Engineer by profession, has been working in the most inaccessible pockets of Kandhamal district of Odisha, on Natural Resource Management (NRM) and livelihood promotion of marginalised communities. His significant contribution is the installation of a 7.5 KW micro-hydroelectric project, diverting water from Bhim Jharan stream through pipeline to Dangarpadar village of Tumudibandha Block. This ensures 24 hours electricity supply, water for domestic use and diversion based irrigation in the village. As Founder Secretary of Social Welfare Agency & Training Institute (SWATI) Mr Rout has undertaken programs like plantation based livelihood under WADI; management of land, water, forest and biological resources for sustained agricultural productivity etc. and providing assistance and training in both on-farm and off-farm activities to ensure livelihood promotion of primitive tribal groups like Kutia Kandha residing in Belghar area of Tumudibandha block of Kandhamal. Minister Shri Rudy congratulated Shri Rout for this amazing contribution to society and expressed his deep appreciation for Bansidhar & Ila Panda Foundation for instituting the Shambhavi Puraskar.
Speaking on the occasion Shaifalika Panda, CEO, BIPF remarked “We are priveledged to recognise Shri Rout’s vision, innovative thinking and ability to lead systematic implementation of holistic solutions in tribal villages with sustainable impact. We hope his success will pave the way for others to venture into uncharted areas of social upliftment.”
The Shamabhavi Puraskar winner is selected by an independent and eminent Jury panel with representatives from NGOs, civil society, media and BIPF. The award carries a trophy, citation and a cash prize of Rs 2.5 lakh. The function was attended by a large number of representatives from various sectors including NGO’s, social workers, Govt. officials, and corporate houses.
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