Sports People 4 Change Karmaveer Puraskaar
Bittoo Sondhi (2009-10)
Bittoo Sondhi, popularly known as Bittoo Bikewallah, started his life as a child labour. He went on to drive an auto rickshaw and later a truck but now he is an authorised dealer of world famous bikes Suzuki (Bittoo Suzuki). He pursued his dream to become a National and International bike racer, and is now supporting others to chase their dreams, whatever they may be, through “Dream on Wheels”. Bittoo’s passion for bike driving gave him the strength, not only to continue his bike racing even after multiple fractures, but also to fight the doctor’s decision to amputate his right leg due to cancer. He started participating in rallies from 1988 and still continues. Over the years he has participated approximately in 65 rallies, both national and International, like Great Desert Himalayan (GDH), Raid the Himalayan, South India Rally, Hot Weather Rally etc, always finishing in top 5 positions. His determination to give back to the society led him to motivate children and youth across India, through his association with organizations like Action Aid, Gandhi Smriti and Darshan Smriti, UNICEF, Vikalp, World Comics and many more. He has supported diverse issues like disability, girl child, polio etc. He is also working for the peace, in conjunction with Gandhi Smriti and has organised the rally “Bike for peace”. He has also made a documentary film Chittee Hattiya. . Bittoo has voiced his concerns at every given opportunity and his perseverance has no periphery..
Malathi K Holla (2009-10)
Ms.Malathi K Holla is truly a Champion of Champions, a born athlete and a Bank Manager and Social Activist by profession. With a number of laurels to her name including the Padmashri Award, Arjuna Award, Ekalavya Award and many more, Ms.Malathi is an achiever in all fronts with a limitless capacity to excel in whatever she is engaged in. However, despite her own personal physical trials and challenges, Malathi has a laudable vision of reaching out to her fellow paraplegics and setting an example that life is surmountable no matter what, and that given courage, discipline, perseverance and an indomitable spirit, one can reach the most formidable of goals and that nothing is impossible. With the moral support of her friends, she has opened a Foundation called MATHRU FOUNDATION where she is providing free shelter, school and medical facilities to the poor and needy physically disabled children aged between 5-12 boys. With over 300 Gold, Silver and Bronze State/National/International medals at Paralympics/Asian/World masters/Open Athletic Championships in different parts of the world, she has an amazing “never say die” and an overwhelming spirit that defies the limits of human endeavor.
Mahesh Bhupathi and Shvetha Bhupathi (2007-08)
Mahesh Bhupathi is a ten-time grand-slam winner and Padmashree award winner. He together with his wife Shvetha Bhupathi has founded FIST- Foundation of Indian Sporting Talent - an open-ended trust that strives to raise funds from corporate houses and wealthy individuals to support young people who have the potential to become tennis champions, given the right training and exposure. It is a non-profit venture. The young aces that emerge from its training will contribute a percentage of their earnings to support the fund and its programs, thus ensuring ongoing relationships and building responsibility in young champions.Gopichand Pullela(2007-08)
He is one of the brightest stars of Indian Badminton. An international athlete, he came under the spotlight when he refused a lucrative endorsement for a big cola company, insisting that values are more important than the money. He is also involved with various other causes including PETA.