Since 2018, the SABERA Awards (Social and Business Enterprise Responsible Awards) have celebrated those “doing good” in India: individuals and organisations creating value and helping to take forward the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. And each year they have had girls and women at the helm, anchoring the event and leading through example. The fourth edition this year will be no exception.
Organised by Simply Suparnaa Media Network, a UN WEP signatory, the SABERA Awards acknowledge responsible businesses, social enterprises, purpose-driven leaders and efforts creating a sustainable social impact.
“The most challenging problems cannot be solved by the government and nonprofits alone. Hence, acknowledging a community of leaders that use business as a force for good is an essential part of SABERA,” said Suparnaa Chadda, founder-curator, SABERA Awards.
This is the second consecutive year that eShe will be the e-magazine partner for the awards.
Renu Sud Karnad, managing director, HDFC Ltd., will lead the jury this year joining the highly respected list of leaders who have chaired the awards since their inception. The awards finale will be held on December 9, 2021, with the jury meeting on November 9, 2021.
“In these times of uncertainty, I am excited at the prospect of reviewing businesses and individuals with positive societal impact,” said SABERA 2021 jury member Uday Kumar Varma (IAS), former Information Broadcasting Secretary.
“SABERA is truly a laudable initiative that aims to drive socially responsible investments,” said Kamal Bali, managing director, Volvo India, on his participation as SABERA 2021 jury member. “The ongoing pandemic has taught us that there is a compelling need to create a systemic socio-economic transformation that is sustainable.”
The anchor for the inaugural edition in 2018 was Shalini Sharma from Uttarakhand, a girl from an underprivileged background who went on to study in Chicago. The anchors in 2019 were Jayashree Patil, daughter of a sex worker from Mumbai, and Chandni, daughter of a ragpicker from Uttar Pradesh, both of whom not only educated themselves but are now working to empower others.
Last year, the face of SABERA 2020 – which was held virtually for the first time – was Payal, daughter of a washerman and a bright young student from Rajasthan, whose dream was to master English. (Who should be the face for SABERA 2021? Send in your suggestions to suparnaa@simplysuparnaa.com)
Anjali Singh, managing director, Deutsche Bank, also on the SABERA 2021 jury, said, “It’s great to see platforms like SABERA recognising the work done by leaders who have made a significant difference to the ecosystem in their fields.”
Richard Rekhy of KPMG, offering his continued support to the platform as a jury member this year as well, shared, “SABERA creates a platform to recognise, reward and encourage people and institutions who are creating a difference in making this world a better place. Recognising innovation and sustainable efforts makes SABERA meaningful and impactful. Such efforts will go a long way to inspire many at various levels to put sustainability at the core of their business”
“It is a real privilege to be associated with the SABERA Awards since their inception,” added Dr Bhaskar Chatterjee (IAS), former DG & CEO, IICA. “At a time when we are all faced with uncertainty, it is imperative to inspire companies and people to be a part of the solution.”
Last year, the 46 winners of trophies and certificates included SMEs, as well as large multinational companies and nonprofit initiatives and Individuals.
“Companies with purpose last, brands with purpose grow, and people with purpose thrive,” shared Priya Nair, executive director, HUL, on behalf of the company being a recipient of one of the Responsible Business trophies last year.
This year too, participants will compete in three categories: Initiative, Individual, and Entity Awards. The deadline to apply is until September 30th midnight (IST) 2021.
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