- SRK Knowledge Foundation celebrates 20 years of humanitarian excellence by honouring visionaries transforming millions of lives across healthcare, women’s empowerment and inclusive entrepreneurship
- Gullapalli N. Rao and Reema Nanavaty receive Santokbaa Humanitarian Award 2026
- Srikanth Bolla becomes inaugural Social Entrepreneur Award winner
- National leaders hail service-driven leadership as the cornerstone of nation-building
NE NEWS SERVICE
SURAT, JUNE 14
Celebrating two decades of recognising extraordinary individuals whose lives exemplify compassion, service and transformative leadership, the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award 2026, instituted by the Shree Ramkrishna Knowledge Foundation (SRKKF)—the philanthropic arm of Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK)—honoured three of India’s most inspiring changemakers at a grand ceremony held at Sanjeev Kumar Auditorium in Surat.
Padma Shri Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao, founder of the LV Prasad Eye Institute and a pioneer in affordable eye care, and Padma awardee Reema Nanavaty, Director of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), received the prestigious Santokbaa Humanitarian Award for their lifelong contribution to society.
Marking a significant milestone in its 20-year journey, SRKKF also introduced the Santokbaa Social Entrepreneur Award, with Srikanth Bolla, Founder of Bollant Industries, becoming its inaugural recipient for building a business model that combines sustainable manufacturing with disability-inclusive employment.
The celebration was attended by Harivansh Narayan Singh, Hon’ble Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, as Chief Guest, while C.R. Patil, Union Minister for Jal Shakti, Harsh Sanghavi, Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, and Air Marshal Tejinder Singh, PVSM AVSM VM, Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief, South Western Air Command, Indian Air Force, graced the occasion as Guests of Honour alongside several distinguished personalities.
Founded in 2006 by Govind Dholakia, Founder & Chairman Emeritus of Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. and SRKKF, the award commemorates the enduring legacy of his mother Santokbaa, whose values of truth, compassion and selfless service continue to inspire generations.
The awardees were selected through a rigorous and transparent evaluation process conducted by an independent jury comprising Govindan Rangarajan, Director, IISc Bengaluru; A.S. Kiran Kumar, former ISRO Chairman; Admiral R. Hari Kumar (Retd.), former Chief of Naval Staff; Rishabh Shroff, Partner at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas; and Shreyans Dholakia, Entrepreneur and Brand Custodian, SRK.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Guest Harivansh Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, said:
“Just as the country is actively identifying and honoring unsung heroes from its remote corners in Padma awards, the SRK Foundation is passing the legacy of Santokbaa to the next generation. It is a profound testament to what happens when a society chooses to celebrate service, sacrifice, and compassion over power, wealth, or fame. By integrating this legacy with the next generation through a new focus on social entrepreneurship, Govind Kaka and his family are ensuring that the rich traditional values of the Indian family continue to drive sustainable nation-building.”
Speaking on the occasion, Harsh Sanghavi, Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat, observed: “In an era heavily focused on individual success, the Santokbaa Award remind us of the profound impact of living a life dedicated to serve others. The greatest achievement isn’t merely found in personal milestones, but in our ability to become the reason for bringing light and happiness into the lives of those around us.”
Reflecting on the inspiration behind the award, Govind Dholakia said: “My mother spent all her life in the small village of Dudhala in Gujarat, but her dream for all her children was not simply to succeed in life, but to make our lives meaningful through truth, love, and compassion. The values she instilled in us have ensured that her legacy continues to live on. It is these very values that became the foundation of the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award – to honour individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving humanity. As we celebrate the 20 years of the Award, I am humbled to see her vision continue to inspire and recognise extraordinary changemakers whose work has touched countless lives and strengthened communities across the country.”
On this year’s awardees, he added: “The recipients of this year’s award have demonstrated how purpose-driven action can touch millions of lives. Their vision, dedication and service have created lasting impact and it reminds us that true success is not in personal achievements but in how we uplift those around us.”
Receiving the honour, Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao said: “The Santokbaa Humanitarian Award represents values that are deeply meaningful – empathy, service, and a commitment to improving lives. It is truly an honour to receive this recognition and accept it on behalf of the many individuals and institutions who have dedicated themselves to the cause of expanding access to quality eye care. Together, we have witnessed the transformative power of restoring sight, dignity, and opportunity. Witnessing the operational systems at SRK confirms, without a doubt, that it is a world-class organization. My maiden trip to Surat has been a fantastic experience, and I look forward to my team at LVPEI learning a great deal from Govindkaka.”
Expressing gratitude after receiving the award, Reema Nanavaty said: “This recognition truly belongs to the millions of women whose resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit continue to inspire us every day. My journey with SEWA has reinforced a simple belief: when women are empowered with opportunity, they become powerful agents of change for their families, communities, and society at large. SEWA and SRK have the opportunity to collaborate across multiple areas, empowering marginalized communities by providing tailored skill development that meets current societal needs.”
The inaugural recipient of the Santokbaa Social Entrepreneur Award, Srikanth Bolla, remarked: “My journey has taught me that limitations often exist more in perception than in reality. Being the first person to win the Santokbaa Social Entrepreneur Award is special and a reminder of my belief that with the right opportunities, support, and determination, every individual can contribute meaningfully to society and create impact beyond themselves. Today, I witnessed a double brilliance in both your diamonds and SRK. Like Govindkaka, I hold a strong faith in the invisible power that guides us, and I feel it is true destiny that brought me to your city. I am incredibly excited about building a meaningful, long-term partnership between our two institutions.”
Over the past 20 years, the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award has honoured 19 of India’s most respected humanitarian icons, including Ratan Tata, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Sudha Murty, Cyrus Poonawalla, Shiv Nadar, Dr. Abhay Bang and Dr. Rani Bang, Dr. Verghese Kurien, Kailash Satyarthi and A.S. Kiran Kumar, among many others.
The institution of the Social Entrepreneur Award this year reflects SRKKF’s vision of encouraging a new generation of leaders who blend innovation with social responsibility.
As the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award enters its third decade, the landmark celebration reinforced a timeless message—that empathy, service and purpose-driven leadership remain among the strongest foundations for inclusive nation-building and a more compassionate India.
