Activist Durga Mallu Gudilu wins 28th Jankidevi Bajaj Puraskar 2021

Bajaj Electricals Ltd. along with the IMC Ladies’ Wing conferred the 28th IMC Ladies’ Wing Jankidevi Bajaj Puraskar 2021 on  social activist Durga Mallu Gudilu – Trustee, Anum Foundation.

Chief Guest Shekhar Bajaj, Chairman, and Managing Director, Bajaj Electricals Ltd. accolated Durga for her contribution towards the betterment of her community and its people during the COVID – 19 pandemic.

Who is Durga Mallu Gudilu?

The COVID 19 pandemic outbreak and the nationwide lockdown brought a grinding halt to the lives and adversely affected the livelihood of the Vaidu Community, who mostly worked as daily wage workers, house helpers, hawkers, and manual scavengers.

Durga took responsibility head-on, as she collected funds to provide ration as well as distribute medicines and other essential supplies to 10 thousand families. She conducted a vaccination drive and awareness programme. She ensured technological access to education, by starting ‘Mera Sapna’, an open study circle, benefitting around 450 children. She also helped distribute mid-day meals to 20,000 children and provide sanitary napkins to over 15,000 vulnerable girls.

Durga has been enthusiastically working for the development of the Vaidu community in the field of education, health, nutrition, environment, employment, and women empowerment through her NGO – Anum Foundation and the Maharashtra Vaidu Vikas Samiti.

Nishreen Khorakiwala – President IMC Ladies’ Wing speaking at the occasion stated, “Trailblazer – Empowered Women, Empower Women” is the IMC Ladies’ Wing motto for the year. And our winner for this year – Durga is a trailblazer in every sense of the word. She has transformed the lives of hundreds of people from her community and most importantly helped them with their livelihoods during the trials and tribulations of the pandemic. She truly combines grace, strength, intelligence and fearlessness to bring out her community of the shadows to take their rightful place and live a life with self-respect and dignity.”

The 28th Jankidevi Bajaj Puraskar is an initiative that recognizes, promotes, supports and honors women entrepreneurs working towards improving living conditions in rural India. The award is named after Smt. Jankidevi Bajaj, for all her pioneering work in the area of rural development.

The event also witnessed the release of ‘Meri Jeevan Yatra’ – the fourth edition of an autobiography of Smt. Jankidevi Bajaj. The book offers an insight into the transformation of a rich and privileged 27-year-old Marwari bahu into a social worker and activist who gave up all her wealth and owned only her weathered khadi bag and a few meagre belongings.

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