Pune Based NGOs KAM Foundation & Kranti Wins Bridgestone Mobility Social Impact Awards 2024

Pune based NGOs have won at the Bridgestone Mobility Social Impact Awards for 2024. Bridgestone Mobility Social Impact Awards (MSIA) is an initiative of Bridgestone India to promote safe and sustainable mobility for all. The awards aim to identify, recognise and promote innovations in sustainable mobility that address social issues and advance social development through the work of Not-for-Profit Organisations. The 4th edition of the awards received close to 100 entries and selected the winners under the categories of ‘Mobility for Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups’ and ‘Mobility for Increased Access to Resources’.

“Bridgestone’s mission of ‘Serving Society with Superior Quality’ lies at the core of how we contribute towards people and communities around us. As a global leader in sustainable mobility solutions, these awards represent our commitment to support and celebrate mobility innovations for the greater good. This is the 4th edition for Bridgestone Mobility Social Impact Awards and we are enthused to see the calibre and impact of all participating organisations in providing solutions for the pressing needs of communities and working towards improving the quality of life of those whom they serve.” said Hiroshi Yoshizane, Managing Director of Bridgestone India.

KAM Foundation from Pune, Maharashtra won the award in the ‘Mobility for Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups’ category for their initiative “Sustainable livelihood in sanitation”. Under this initiative KAM foundation focused on 50 sanitation workers to elevate the professional, economic and social status of sanitation workers on par with the likes of any other maintenance professional through mechanisation. This resulted in a monthly raise in the monthly earning raised from Rs. 2000 to 20,000 with insurance, PPE Uniforms, medical care, etc., and indirectly impacted 100 lives of their family members.

Smita Singh, CEO of KAM foundation, said, “Our mission is to uplift sanitation workers from marginalised communities who face life-threatening risks in manually desludging septic tanks. By training them in mechanised cleaning, we aim to foster their economic independence, dignity, and social advancement.”

The first Runner-up Kranti in the Mobility for Empowerment of Vulnerable Groups category from Shirur, Pune provided comprehensive support to 2,460 survivors of gender and caste-based violence, facilitating complete support including legal aid, counselling, reporting the incident, court procedure and filing for compensation. Kranti also educated 2,000 children, including 460 girls, while facilitating entitlements for 7,695 beneficiaries.

Sunita Eknath Bhosle, President of Kranti Foundation, said, “Since the founding of ‘Kranti,’ we have tirelessly dedicated ourselves to improving the lives of those facing daily hardships. Learning that we’ve been awarded the runner-up prize is a humbling affirmation that our consistent efforts are shaping a better future for marginalised communities.”