About the Puraskar

Genesis & History

At the Puraskar Commencement Ceremony: (L-R) Smt. Kiran Bajaj (President for the year 1992-93 and Founder of the Puraskar), Dr. Sushila Naayar (Chief Guest) and Smt. Indira Mahindra (Founder - Chairperson, Awards Sub-Committee)

Genesis & History

In 1992–93, during the Presidency of Smt. Kiran Bajaj, the IMC Ladies’ Wing, dedicated its programmes to the theme ‘Discover the Entrepreneur in You’. In the spirit of innovation, the Jankidevi Bajaj Puraskar was instituted to honour and encourage women entrepreneurs whose work has a significant impact on rural India. With Bajaj Electricals Ltd. generously stepping forward as a sponsor, the Puraskar was created as a meaningful and lasting platform.

For over thirty years, the Puraskar has been recognised as India’s most esteemed award for women entrepreneurs transforming rural communities. It honours the values of courage, self-reliance and commitment to society that Smt. Jankidevi Bajaj exemplified.

Objective & Significance

The Puraskar’s purpose is rooted in service and encouragement:

To recognise and celebrate women entrepreneurs who are building self-sustaining businesses.

To honour women who contribute to the social and economic upliftment of rural India.

To inspire other women to step forward with confidence, independence, and enterprise

Being chosen for the IMC Ladies’ Wing Jankidevi Bajaj Puraskar is a matter of national pride and a reminder of how one woman’s work can uplift many lives.

Puraskar Components

₹10 lakh cheque (Rupees Ten Lakhs)
Citation and Certificate

These are presented at an annual ceremony in the presence of respected dignitaries and well-wishers.

Eligibility & Criteria

The Puraskar is open to:

Women entrepreneurs—individuals or groups led by a woman (for example, a women’s cooperative).
Enterprises that are self-sustaining, showing resilience and long-term viability.
Ventures that make a difference in rural communities—by creating livelihoods, improving quality of life, or advancing dignity and empowerment.

Not eligible: Initiatives that rely primarily on external grants, CSR support, or donations for their ongoing functioning. The Puraskar is intended to celebrate entrepreneurial spirit—the ability to build and sustain an enterprise on its own strength.

Selection Process

The selection is careful and transparent:

Nominations open—applications may be mailed or submitted online.
Screening—entries are reviewed for eligibility and completeness.
Evaluation—a respected jury assesses each entry on:
- Entrepreneurial ability and innovation
- Sustainability and resilience of the enterprise
- Contribution to rural development and empowerment
Final Selection—the winner is chosen by consensus and honoured at the annual ceremony.

Guidance & Support

When the IMC Ladies’ Wing decided to establish this Puraskar in 1993, Mrs. Kiran Bajaj, then President of the Wing, provided thoughtful guidance and helped shape its purpose. With the support of Bajaj Electricals, which stepped forward as sponsor, the recognition became a meaningful and enduring platform. Their quiet, steady contribution continues each year to uphold the spirit of the Puraskar. As Smt. Jankidevi Bajaj believed:

“A woman’s work, when rooted in compassion and responsibility, has the power to lift many out of hardship.”

For over 30 years, the IMC Ladies’ Wing Jankidevi Bajaj Puraskar has carried forward that spirit of learning, service, and empowerment, honouring women who dream, build, and transform rural India.