Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation

The Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation stands true to the ideologies passed on from the great Mahatma Gandhiji to Shri Jamnalal Bajaj for the betterment of all, and oversees numerous constructive activities both national and international.

The Foundation has instituted Jamnalal Bajaj Awards.

The Jamnalal Bajaj Awards are annually bestowed on those who have done outstanding, selfless work for public welfare. They recognize the spirit, dedication, courage and tenacity of ordinary people in following the path of dharma, and achieving the common good (Sarvodaya). It is an initiative of a grateful felicitation of people who have devoted themselves to `public welfare’ purely in the spirit of dedication.

The Awards fall under four basic categories, three National and one International.

• National: Constructive Work in India: This follows the tenets of Mahatma Gandhi’s Constructive Programs, in order to create a better rural community.
• National: Application of Science and Technology for Rural Development: This is for contribution to adaptable, replicable and cost effect application of grass root technologies that have made a mark on the development of rural people.
• National: Development and Welfare of Women and Children (instituted in memory of Padma Vibhushan Smt. Janaki Devi Bajaj, wife of Shri Jamnalal Bajaj who carried forward his work after his unfortunate demise) Meant to felicitate women who have done remarkable work in the fields of women’s education, skills training, healthcare, literacy, livelihood activities, holistic development, advocacy etcetera.
• International: International Award for Promoting Gandhian Values Outside India  (Introduced on Jamnalal Bajaj’s centenary, this is given to non-Indian citizens) for their exceptional contribution towards promoting peace, non-violence, belief in humanity and holding moral conscience in the highest esteem.

Mahatma Gandhi had once said about Jamnalal Bajaj, `I can say with confidence that Jamnalalji did not earn a single pie through unethical means, and whatever he earned, he spent it all for the good of the people.’ This is the idea of `trusteeship’. It does not contain a feeling of `donation’, instead has the spirit of `sharing’. Going with this true essence of the word ‘trusteeship’ as ‘sharing’ and not donation, Gandhian ideologies of an exploitation free and non-violent society were whole-heartedly followed.

The Jamnalal Bajaj Foundation is deeply committed to the rural development activities especially in Wardha district. Mahatma Gandhi led the freedom movement from Sewagram, in Wardha as its main center and the movement gained momentum with the involvement of Shri Jamnalal Bajaj in Wardha. Shri Jamnalal Bajaj sowed the seeds of tradition of moral and cultural values in the hearts and minds of the people of Wardha in particular, and country at large. The bonding further contributed to a new direction and dimension to carry out constructive work activities in Wardha. All these are being carried through various educational institutions, charitable organizations and trusts in Wardha.

In addition, the Foundation is also committed to the rural and urban development activities in various regions across India. The activities initiated and developed by different Organizations are extensively supported and significantly funded by the Foundation. The objective is to reach out to the poorest of the poor and the underprivileged. Keeping this in mind, the programmes cover income generation, skill development, literacy and education, medical, health and sanitation, water management, environment protection, renewal of energy sources, biogas and potable drinking water, family welfare, non-formal education, agriculture and animal husbandry, etc. The participation of the beneficiaries is also a very essential feature of all the programmes.