Government Official Shelar Urges Innovators as Lions Clubs Showcase Yearly Investment of 500 Crore Rupees in Community Programs

The We Serve India National Awards, an initiative by Lions Clubs International and Forbes India, brought together a diverse group of individuals and organisations in Mumbai, honoring their meaningful contributions to society. The event marked the grand conclusion of zonal events in Guwahati, Kochi, and Surat.

Arvinder Pal Singh, International First Vice President of Lions Clubs International, emphasised the growing collaboration between government, nonprofits, and grassroots efforts in addressing key social challenges. He stated that the Lions Clubs operate in an era of collaboration, empowering local stakeholders through resources and structured support to create sustainable impact. The Lions Clubs have two members from younger generations on their international board, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity and fresh perspectives.

The Lions Clubs are involved in various initiatives such as microfinance initiatives that uplift women and health campaigns bridging awareness gaps. Arvinder Pal Singh highlighted the Lions Clubs' growing investment of over Rs. 500 crores annually in community development.

The real measure of success for community initiatives lies in their tangible impact on the ground. The We Serve India National Awards honoured several individuals for their significant contributions. Aditya Jitendra Kumar Mehta was honored for Educational Learning & Skill Development, Preethi Srinivasan for Health Care and Sanitation, Seema Sayyad for Women's Empowerment, and Janani Venkitesh for Waste Reduction and Recycling.

Abhishek Ray, Bollywood Composer and Singer, was honored for Wildlife Conservation, and Raimati Ghuria, a tribal farmer from Odisha, was recognized as the "Queen of Millet" for Sustainable Agriculture.

Ashish Shelar, Cabinet Minister of Information Technology & Cultural Affairs, Government of Maharashtra, called upon innovators, changemakers, and researchers to participate in the state government's quarterly roundtable discussions. He reiterated the government's commitment to developing an environment where service-driven organisations and individuals can thrive.

Experts emphasised the importance of including younger generations in leadership roles within service initiatives. Sidharth Saini, Chief Operating Officer, News18 Studio, spoke about honoring individuals who selflessly serve their communities.

Impact assessments have become crucial in evaluating outreach efforts to refine strategies for maximum effectiveness. The We Serve India National Awards underscored the growing collaboration between government, nonprofits, and grassroots efforts in addressing key social challenges, signifying a promising future for community-driven initiatives in India.

Government Official Shelar Urges Innovators as Lions Clubs Showcase Yearly Investment of 500 Crore Rupees in Community Programs