Smt. Nirmala Narula (2009-10)
Smt.Nirmala Narula is currently the President of Alzheimer's and Related Disorders Society of India. She has been a socially responsible person, symbolizing her actions as a citizen with Social Justice now for over four and a half decades. In her lifetime she has pioneered various causes touching all spheres of the social fabrics viz., the children, women, youth and now working concertedly focused on Alzheimer’s and other form of dementia falling into the ambit of Elderly care. She gave a whole new meaning to the old adage ‘Charity begins at home’ when she opened a ‘neighborhood school’ for the underprivileged children in her own house. In spite of the many roadblocks in her path, she managed to bring state of the art hospital facilities not only to India but Bangladesh and Nepal as well. Smt.Narula is at present deeply involved with opening the Center in Delhi for people with early Alzheimer’s, to bring respite/relief to family members for a few hours in a day. Smt.Narula has received well deserved achievement and awards over the years and she continues to serve society through ARDSI.
Dr. Verghese Kurien (2006-07)
Dr. Verghese Kurien is the father of the White Revolution in India, the architect behind ‘Operation Flood’ the world’s largest dairy development programme. He was the chairman of the Gujarat Co-operative Milk Marketing Federation Ltd. (GCMMF) and his name synonymous with ‘Amul’
right from Kaira District Cooperative Milk Producers Union Limited (KDCMPUL), to his stint with National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), Gujarat Cooperative Milk Marketing Federation (GCMMF), the National Tree Growers Federation (NTGF). Dr Kurien has been steadfast in his mission that the standard to measure success would be the benefit that actually reached the village women.
Professor M.S.Swaminathan (2007-08)
Professor Swaminathan has been described by the United Nations Environment Programme as ‘the Father of Economic Ecology’. A plant geneticist by training, Professor Swaminathan's contributions to the agricultural renaissance of India have led to his being widely referred to as the scientific leader of the green revolution movement. His advocacy of sustainable agriculture leading to an ever-green revolution makes him an acknowledged world leader in the field of sustainable food security. He has had a pioneering role in mainstreaming gender considerations in agriculture and rural development, and has been nationally and internationally recognized and awarded for his his outstanding scientific contribution in the field of agricultureMajor General R.S. Pannu (2008-09)
After spending 36 long years in Indian Army, Major General Raghubir Singh Pannu devoted his life in the service of the people through voluntary sector. A man of great courage, having been a front line soldier, he became the think tank of Help Age India in 1984. Help Age, then a six year old organisation, was put on the map as India’s leading charity during his 12 year tenure. He conceived and executed a 10 year plan that brought more than 430 NGOs under Help Age India’s umbrella. Major General R.S. Pannu became the first President and Managing Trustee at the Global Cancer Concern India during 2000. He became a sought after crusader for many international bodies for tackling global issues. Major General R.S. Pannu will be remembered for his unique contribution to the development of the voluntary sector in India. His experience, knowledge, achievements and total dedication to the service of humanity will remain a role model.