Bajaj Electricals Foundation Wins 2026 Mahatma Award for Clean Energy

Posted on by City Today News (City today.media)

‘Flame of Change’ initiative reaches 70,000 people across 175 villages, cuts firewood use and creates rural livelihood opportunities

New Delhi, October 6, 2026: Bajaj Electricals Foundation, the CSR arm of Bajaj Electricals Limited, has been honoured with the Mahatma Award for Affordable and Clean Energy 2026 for its flagship ‘Flame of Change’ Improved Cookstove Project, recognising its efforts to promote cleaner cooking practices and sustainable development in rural communities.

The initiative provides rural households with fuel-efficient improved cookstoves as an alternative to traditional biomass cooking. By reducing dependence on firewood, the project is helping families save time, improve indoor cooking conditions and reduce their environmental impact.

The award was received by Ms. Pooja Anant Bajaj, Chairperson, Bajaj Electricals Foundation, along with members of the CSR team. The ceremony was attended by Dr. Kiran Bedi, former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry and India’s first woman IPS officer; Santrupt Misra, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha; and Amit Sachdeva, Founder of the Mahatma Award and Chairperson of Mahatma Foundation.

The recognition assumes special significance in 2026, which marks the centenary year of the Bajaj Group. The Foundation said the award reflects the Group’s long-standing commitment to nation-building, social responsibility and values-based leadership inspired by the Gandhian ideals of its founder, Shri Jamnalal Bajaj.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Pooja Anant Bajaj, Chairperson, Bajaj Electricals Foundation, said the initiative reflects the organisation’s belief that sustainable development must benefit both people and the planet.

“Meaningful development must uplift both people and the planet. The Flame of Change initiative is an extension of that legacy. When a woman in Karauli can save seven hours a day and breathe cleaner air in her own kitchen, those values are truly at work,” she said.

Under the Flame of Change programme, the Foundation has distributed 14,000 improved cookstoves across Karauli and Sawai Madhopur in Rajasthan, and Jawhar and Vikramgad in Maharashtra. The initiative has reached more than 70,000 people across over 175 villages, while also contributing to rural livelihoods by creating 47 women entrepreneurs and 48 rural employment opportunities.

The impact of the project has also been independently assessed. An ISO 14064-compliant carbon and social impact assessment covering 8,000 cookstoves distributed in Rajasthan recorded a 73% reduction in household firewood consumption. The assessment also found that households could save approximately seven hours a day previously spent on cooking and collecting fuel.

The Rajasthan component is projected to deliver carbon mitigation of approximately 222,711 tonnes of CO₂ equivalent (tCO₂e) over the project’s five-year lifespan. A similar impact assessment covering the remaining 6,000 cookstoves in Maharashtra is currently underway.

The Foundation said the recognition reinforces its commitment to developing solutions that combine clean energy, environmental sustainability, improved health and livelihoods, while addressing everyday challenges faced by rural communities.

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Remembering K. Kamaraj: A Leader Who Lived for the People

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Bengaluru, Oct. 2: On the memorial day of former Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and veteran statesman Kumaraswami Kamaraj, heartfelt tributes are being paid to a leader remembered for his simplicity, honesty and unwavering commitment to public service.

Kamaraj, popularly known as “Perunthalaivar” (Great Leader), played a significant role in shaping Tamil Nadu’s social and educational development. Born on July 15, 1903, in Virudhunagar, he entered public life at a young age and became an important leader in India’s freedom movement. He was imprisoned several times during the struggle for independence.

As Chief Minister of Madras State from 1954 to 1963, Kamaraj focused strongly on education and the welfare of ordinary people. His administration is widely associated with the expansion of schools, improved access to education in rural areas and measures aimed at encouraging children to attend school. His efforts in strengthening basic infrastructure and public welfare left a lasting mark on the state.

Kamaraj later played an important role in national politics and served as president of the Indian National Congress. He was also closely associated with the Kamaraj Plan, through which senior Congress leaders were encouraged to leave ministerial positions and devote themselves to strengthening the organisation.

Remembering the great leader on his memorial day, G.S. Gopal Raaj, Editor – City Today News & TJ Vision Media, said that Kamaraj’s life continues to stand as an example of simplicity, discipline, integrity and people-centred leadership.

“Kamaraj believed that public office was an opportunity to serve society. His contribution to education and the welfare of the common people remains an important part of India’s public life. His simple lifestyle and commitment to the nation continue to inspire generations,” he said.

Kamaraj passed away on October 2, 1975. His legacy continues to be remembered particularly for his emphasis on education, social development and accessible governance.

On his memorial day, people across the country pay their respects to a leader whose public life was marked by simplicity, service and dedication to the welfare of the people.

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Special Thursday Celebrations and Bharatanatyam at Sri Raghavendra Swamy Mutt

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Bengaluru: Special religious programmes and a Bharatanatyam performance were organised on Thursday at the Nanjangud Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy Mutt in Jayanagar 5th Block, Bengaluru.

The programmes were held under the guidance and blessings of His Holiness Sri 1008 Sri Subudhendra Tirtha Sripadangalavaru, with the arrangements led by the senior manager of the mutt, R.K. Vadindra Acharya.

On the occasion, the Brindavana of Sri Raghavendra Swamy was beautifully decorated and special rituals were performed, followed by Maha Mangalarati. Annadana was also organised for thousands of devotees who visited the mutt and participated in the celebrations.

The evening programme featured a special Bharatanatyam performance by students of Keerthana Kala School, presented under the direction of Vidushi Keerthana Krishna. The performance added a cultural dimension to the religious celebrations.

Speaking on the occasion, Sri Nandakishore Acharya said that several special programmes were conducted at the sacred sannidhi of Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy as part of the Thursday celebrations.

A large number of devotees visited the mutt, participated in the various religious and cultural programmes and sought the blessings of Sri Guru Raghavendra Swamy.

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Remembering Lal Bahadur Shastri: A Leader Who Made Simplicity His Strength

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On the birth anniversary of former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri, G.S. Gopal Raaj, Editor – City Today News & TJ Vision Media, said that Shastri ji remains one of India’s most humble, honest and dedicated national leaders, whose life continues to inspire generations.

Born on October 2, 1904, in Mughalsarai, Uttar Pradesh, Lal Bahadur Shastri rose from humble beginnings to become the second Prime Minister of independent India. His journey was marked by simplicity, discipline, patriotism and an unwavering commitment to public service.

Shastri ji actively participated in India’s freedom struggle and spent several years in British prisons. After Independence, he shouldered several important responsibilities, serving as Railway Minister, Home Minister and eventually Prime Minister. His public life reflected a strong sense of responsibility, integrity and commitment to the nation.

As Prime Minister during a challenging period, Shastri ji demonstrated quiet determination and strong national leadership. His historic call of “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” recognised the vital contribution of India’s soldiers and farmers and continues to remain an enduring part of his legacy.

G.S. Gopal Raaj said that Lal Bahadur Shastri’s greatest strength was his character and simplicity. His modest lifestyle, courage in difficult times and dedication to ethical public service set an enduring example of leadership based on values rather than personal grandeur.

He further said that Shastri ji’s ideals of honesty, humility, discipline, courage and selfless service remain highly relevant in public life even today. Remembering such leaders, he added, should inspire every citizen to contribute towards building a stronger and more responsible nation.

On Lal Bahadur Shastri Jayanti, heartfelt tributes are paid to the former Prime Minister and Bharat Ratna recipient for his invaluable contribution to the nation and his enduring legacy of simple, principled and dedicated public service.

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ಹಿರಿಯ ನಾಗರಿಕರ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ರಕ್ಷಣೆಗೆ ದಂತ ಹಾಗೂ ಕ್ಯಾನ್ಸರ್ ತಪಾಸಣಾ ಶಿಬಿರ

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ಬೆಂಗಳೂರು, ಅ.1: ಅಂತರರಾಷ್ಟ್ರೀಯ ಹಿರಿಯ ನಾಗರಿಕರ ದಿನಾಚರಣೆಯ ಅಂಗವಾಗಿ ಬೆಂಗಳೂರಿನ ಬಸವೇಶ್ವರನಗರದಲ್ಲಿರುವ ಶ್ರೀ ಮಹಾಲಕ್ಷ್ಮೀ ಹಿರಿಯ ನಾಗರಿಕರ ಡೇ ಕೇರ್ ಸೆಂಟರ್‌ನಲ್ಲಿ ಸಮುದಾಯ ದಂತ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಶಿಬಿರ (Community Dental Camp)ವನ್ನು ಆಯೋಜಿಸಲಾಯಿತು.

ಕಿದ್ವಾಯಿ ಸ್ಮಾರಕ ಕ್ಯಾನ್ಸರ್ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆ ಹಾಗೂ ಹೆಲ್ಪ್‌ಏಜ್ ಇಂಡಿಯಾ ಸಹಯೋಗದಲ್ಲಿ ನಡೆದ ಶಿಬಿರದಲ್ಲಿ ಹಿರಿಯ ನಾಗರಿಕರಿಗೆ ಅಗತ್ಯ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ತಪಾಸಣೆ, ಅರಿವು ಹಾಗೂ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಸಲಹೆಗಳನ್ನು ನೀಡಲಾಯಿತು. ವಯೋಸಹಜ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳನ್ನು ಆರಂಭಿಕ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲೇ ಗುರುತಿಸುವುದು ಹಾಗೂ ನಿಯಮಿತ ತಪಾಸಣೆಯ ಮಹತ್ವದ ಕುರಿತು ಕಾರ್ಯಕ್ರಮದಲ್ಲಿ ಗಮನ ಹರಿಸಲಾಯಿತು.

ಈ ಸಂದರ್ಭದಲ್ಲಿ ಕಿದ್ವಾಯಿ ಸ್ಮಾರಕ ಕ್ಯಾನ್ಸರ್ ಸಂಸ್ಥೆಯ ಹಿರಿಯ ವೈದ್ಯಾಧಿಕಾರಿ ಡಾ. ಎ.ಎಸ್. ಮಹಾಂತೇಶ್ ಹಾಗೂ ಡಾ. ಸುಕನ್ಯಾ ಅವರು ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಜಾಗೃತಿ ಕುರಿತು ಮಾತನಾಡಿ, ಹಿರಿಯ ನಾಗರಿಕರು ತಮ್ಮ ಆರೋಗ್ಯದ ಬಗ್ಗೆ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿನ ಕಾಳಜಿ ವಹಿಸಬೇಕು ಎಂದು ಸಲಹೆ ನೀಡಿದರು. ಬಾಯಿಯ ಆರೋಗ್ಯದ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಮಹಿಳೆಯರಲ್ಲಿ ಕಾಣಿಸಿಕೊಳ್ಳಬಹುದಾದ ಗರ್ಭಕಂಠ ಹಾಗೂ ಸ್ತನ ಕ್ಯಾನ್ಸರ್‌ಗಳ ಕುರಿತು ನಿಯಮಿತ ತಪಾಸಣೆ ಮತ್ತು ಆರಂಭಿಕ ಪತ್ತೆಯ ಮಹತ್ವವನ್ನು ವಿವರಿಸಿದರು.

ಶಿಬಿರದಲ್ಲಿ ಒಟ್ಟು 41 ಮಂದಿ ನೋಂದಾಯಿಸಿಕೊಂಡಿದ್ದು, 27 ಫಲಾನುಭವಿಗಳಿಗೆ ಬಾಯಿ ಹಾಗೂ ದಂತ ತಪಾಸಣೆ ನಡೆಸಲಾಯಿತು. ಮತ್ತೊಂದೆಡೆ, 14 ಮಂದಿಗೆ ಗರ್ಭಕಂಠ ಮತ್ತು ಸ್ತನ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ತಪಾಸಣೆ ಮಾಡಲಾಯಿತು.

ಹಿರಿಯ ನಾಗರಿಕರ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಸಮಸ್ಯೆಗಳನ್ನು ಆರಂಭಿಕ ಹಂತದಲ್ಲೇ ಗುರುತಿಸಿ ಸೂಕ್ತ ವೈದ್ಯಕೀಯ ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶನ ಒದಗಿಸುವ ನಿಟ್ಟಿನಲ್ಲಿ ಶಿಬಿರವು ಸಹಕಾರಿಯಾಯಿತು. ಸಮುದಾಯ ಮಟ್ಟದಲ್ಲಿ ಇಂತಹ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ತಪಾಸಣಾ ಶಿಬಿರಗಳು ಹಿರಿಯ ನಾಗರಿಕರಲ್ಲಿ ಆರೋಗ್ಯ ಜಾಗೃತಿ ಹೆಚ್ಚಿಸುವುದರ ಜೊತೆಗೆ ಅಗತ್ಯವಿರುವವರಿಗೆ ಮುಂದಿನ ಚಿಕಿತ್ಸೆಗೆ ಮಾರ್ಗದರ್ಶನ ನೀಡಲು ನೆರವಾಗುತ್ತವೆ.

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