Jindal Foundation Receives FICCI Special Appreciation Award 2025
A Prestigious Honor
In a remarkable recognition of its efforts in fostering sports and community development, the Jindal Foundation, the social arm of Jindal Steel, has been awarded the FICCI Special Appreciation Award 2025. This prestigious accolade, presented in the category of “Socially Responsible Company for Promotion of Sports,” highlights the Foundation’s unwavering commitment to enhancing sports at the grassroots level, particularly in underserved and rural communities.
The Award Ceremony
The award was formally presented by Padma Bhushan Ms. Rajashree Birla, the Chairperson of the FICCI Aditya Birla CSR Centre of Excellence. The ceremony, organized by FICCI, aimed to celebrate instances of excellence in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). It brought together various stakeholders in the corporate and non-profit sectors, showcasing inspiring stories of community upliftment and empowerment.
A Commitment to Grassroots Sports
The recognition by FICCI underscores the Jindal Foundation’s relentless pursuit to transform lives through sports. For decades, the Foundation has been dedicated to identifying and nurturing emerging talent, investing in state-of-the-art infrastructure, and opening up avenues for local athletes to compete on national and international platforms. This dual focus on talent and opportunity is pivotal in helping athletes realize their full potential.
Empowering Youth Through Sports
During the award ceremony, Ms. Shallu Jindal, Chairperson of the Jindal Foundation, expressed her gratitude, stating, “We are deeply honored to receive this award from FICCI. At the Jindal Foundation, we believe that sports have the power to transform lives by building character, discipline, and leadership.” Her heartfelt sentiment illuminates the Foundation’s aim to empower youth from all walks of life, ensuring they have the necessary tools to excel not only in sports but also in life.
Integrating Sports with Holistic Development
Prashant Hota, President & Group Head – CSR & Education at Jindal Steel, remarked that this award honors the grassroots partners, coaches, and resilient young athletes who inspire their mission daily. He emphasized the Foundation’s model, which seamlessly integrates sports with education, health, and gender empowerment. This holistic approach ensures that their programs create sustainable impacts, vital for the community’s overall growth.
Outreach Across Multiple Regions
The Foundation’s significant impact extends across various states, including Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand, where it focuses on comprehensive community development. Thousands of rural athletes have benefitted from coaching, equipment donations, scholarships, and exposure to competitive platforms. This effort not only nurtures talent but also instills a sense of purpose and ambition among the youth.
Diverse Sports Initiatives
Amongst the wide array of sports initiatives, the Foundation has facilitated training camps for various disciplines, including Martial Arts (Wushu), archery, athletics, football, and hockey. Special focus is laid on promoting participation among girls and athletes with disabilities, ensuring inclusivity in sports. Over the years, the Jindal Foundation has nurtured over 30,000 sports talents through its CSR projects, making an indelible mark in the realm of community sports.
Infrastructure Development
To further bolster its sports initiatives, the Foundation has invested in building multiple sports infrastructures in villages, small towns, and district headquarters. These include playgrounds, indoor and outdoor coaching centers, sports galleries, and swimming pools. By equipping major stadiums with world-class facilities, the Foundation is not just nurturing talent; it is laying the groundwork for India to shine on international sporting stages.
Looking Ahead
As the Jindal Foundation continues on its journey of community upliftment through sports, it remains committed to further enhancing the inclusivity and accessibility of sports culture across India. With every step taken, it embodies the spirit of empowerment, making strides towards a future where every talent has the potential to succeed, irrespective of their background.