NE BUSINESS BUREAU
NEW DELHI, MAY 19
With an aim to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive society, Schneider Electric, the global leader in energy management and automation on Wednesday held the 5th edition of the Prerna Awards at the Inclusion Summit 2023 in association with National human resource development’s (NHRD) Bangalore chapter. Since its inception in 2015, the Prerna Awards have recognized and celebrated the remarkable achievements of brave women who have defied societal norms, overcome obstacles, and made outstanding contributions to their communities.
- M Vaanmathi, founder of Makwell Container Care, and Thinlas Chorol, founder of Ladakhi Women’s Travel Company were announced as the winners of the 5th edition of the Prerna Awards
- The event celebrated the spirit of women entrepreneurs who overcame significant challenges and empowered sections of marginalized populace through employment or skill-building
- At Schneider Electric, we value Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as integral components of our historical, cultural, and identity framework: Binu Philip, CHRO- Greater India Zone, Schneider Electric
M Vaanmathi, founder of Makwell Container Care, and Thinlas Chorol, founder of Ladakhi Women’s Travel Company were adjudged the winners of the 5th edition of the Prerna Awards by Schneider Electric.
Vaanmathi, resident of Chennai and founder of Makwell Container Care, began her entrepreneurial journey in 2003. Through efficient marketing on YouTube, she expanded her business and reached customers across India. Her success demonstrates the power of effective marketing strategies and dedication in the world of entrepreneurship.
“Everyone dreams of owning a home. With containers, one can build a beautiful home in just 15 days. I can build a house with a kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom for Rs 3 lakh,” said Vaanmathi, who has been working with containers for 31 years now.
Her organization purchases used containers and then repairs and waterproof them to ensure their structural integrity. These containers are then converted into building units, and the process involves designing plans, analyzing vastu, customizing interiors, and installing water and electricity connections. Her company also provides flexibility in storage, design, and flooring as per the client’s requirements. Vaanmathi’s long-term goal is to extend this affordable housing solution to underprivileged communities by offering container homes at even lower prices. Furthermore, she plans to establish schools for underprivileged children as a way of giving back to society.
Emphasizing on the need for fostering a diverse and inclusive ecosystem, Binu Philip, CHRO- Greater India Zone, Schneider Electric said, “At Schneider Electric, we value Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion as integral components of our historical, cultural, and identity framework. We continue to remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing this approach both internally and externally. The winners of this year’s Prerna Awards have challenged conventional mindsets and societal norms while contributing to the development of key segments of our society. Their unwavering courage, resilience, determination, and sense of purpose serve as a powerful inspiration to all of us and we take immense pride in honoring their achievements and contributions to our society.”
Another Prerna award winner is Thinlas Chorol, she is a native Ladakhi from the village of Takmachik in the Sham region. She established the Ladakhi Women’s Travel Company in 2009, which is the first travel company in Ladakh to be both owned and operated solely by women. Since her start as a guide in 2003, Thinlas has led countless treks around Ladakh and is today working to bring more women into the field of tourism. A strong advocate for eco-friendly and community-based tourism, such as homestays, she is constantly promoting sustainable development of the tourist industry.
The Prerna Awards winners are carefully chosen through a rigorous evaluation process, which focuses on recognizing the significant contributions of the nominees. Among the key criteria, nominees are small to medium-scale woman entrepreneurs who have made a significant impact through sustained, far-reaching, and effective interventions.
