Celebrating 20 years of honouring individuals who have transformed lives through compassion, service and leadership, the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award 2026, established by Shree Ramkrishna Knowledge Foundation (SRKKF), the philanthropic arm of Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK), was presented on Saturday, 13th June 2026, at the Sanjeev Kumar Auditorium in Surat.
The event was graced by Chief Guest Shri Harivansh Narayan Singh, Hon’ble Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, distinguished Guests of Honour included Shri C.R. Patil, Hon’ble Union Minister of Jal Shakti; Shri Harsh Sanghavi, Hon’ble Deputy Chief of Gujarat; and several other luminaries.
The Santokbaa Humanitarian Award that recognizes eminent changemakers was presented this year to Padma Shri Dr. Gullapalli N Rao, celebrated Indian ophthalmologist and the Founder Chair, LV Prasad Eye Institute and Padma Shri Smt. Reema Nanavaty, an Indian developmental worker and the Director of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA).
In a significant addition to this year’s celebrations, SRKKF introduced the Social Entrepreneur Award, recognizing innovative leaders who successfully combine business excellence with measurable social impact. Shri Srikanth Bolla, Founder of Bollant Industries, a sustainable, eco-friendly manufacturing company, was named the inaugural recipient of this honour. He transformed personal adversity into a powerful mission for inclusion and pioneered a business model that champions disability-inclusive employment and environmentally sustainable practices.
The awards, established in 2006 by Shri Govind Dholakia, Founder – Chairman Emeritus, Shree Ramkrishna Exports Pvt. Ltd. (SRK) & SRK Knowledge Foundation (SRKKF), marked two decades of honouring selfless service and transformative leadership, carrying forward the legacy of compassion and selfless values embodied by his mother, Santokbaa.
The recipients are selected through a rigorous and transparent evaluation process led by an independent jury comprising distinguished leaders from diverse fields. The jury for the 2026 awards included Shri Govindan Rangarajan, Director, Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru; Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, Former Chairman, ISRO; Admiral R. Hari Kumar (Retd.), Former Chief of the Indian Navy; Shri Rishabh Shroff, Partner, Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas; and Shri Shreyans Dholakia, Entrepreneur and Brand Custodian, SRK.
Speaking on the occasion Shri Govind Dholakia said, “My mother spent all her life in the small village of Dudhala in Gujarat, but her dream for all her children was not simply to succeed in life, but to make our lives meaningful through truth, love, and compassion. The values she instilled in us have ensured that her legacy continues to live on. It is these very values that became the foundation of the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award – to honour individuals who have dedicated their lives to serving humanity. As we celebrate the 20 years of the Award, I am humbled to see her vision continue to inspire and recognise extraordinary changemakers whose work has touched countless lives and strengthened communities across the country.”
Talking about the awardees, Shri Dholakia said, “The recipients of this year’s award have demonstrated how purpose-driven action can touch millions of lives. Their vision, dedication and service have created lasting impact and it reminds us that true success is not in personal achievements but in how we uplift those around us.”
Talking about the recognition, Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao said, “The Santokbaa Humanitarian Award represents values that are deeply meaningful – empathy, service, and a commitment to improving lives. It is truly an honour to receive this recognition and accept it on behalf of the many individuals and institutions who have dedicated themselves to the cause of expanding access to quality eye care. Together, we have witnessed the transformative power of restoring sight, dignity, and opportunity. Witnessing the operational systems at SRK confirms, without a doubt, that it is a world-class organization. My maiden trip to Surat has been a fantastic experience, and I look forward to my team at LVPEI learning a great deal from Govindkaka.”
On receiving the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award, Smt. Reema Nanavaty said, “This recognition truly belongs to the millions of women whose resilience, determination, and entrepreneurial spirit continue to inspire us every day. My journey with SEWA has reinforced a simple belief: when women are empowered with opportunity, they become powerful agents of change for their families, communities, and society at large. SEWA and SRK have the opportunity to collaborate across multiple areas, empowering marginalized communities by providing tailored skill development that meets current societal needs.”
Winner of the inaugural Social Entrepreneur Award, Shri Srikanth Bolla said, “My journey has taught me that limitations often exist more in perception than in reality. Being the first person to win the Santokbaa Social Entrepreneur Award is special and a reminder of my belief that with the right opportunities, support, and determination, every individual can contribute meaningfully to society and create impact beyond themselves. Today, I witnessed a double brilliance in both your diamonds and SRK. Like Govindkaka, I hold a strong faith in the invisible power that guides us, and I feel it is true destiny that brought me to your city. I am incredibly excited about building a meaningful, long-term partnership between our two institutions.”
Over the past 20 years, the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award has honoured 19 of India’s most distinguished humanitarian and social leaders, including Shri Ratan Tata, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Dr. Sudha Murty, Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, Shri Shiv Nadar, Dr. Abhay Bang and Dr. Rani Bang, Dr. Verghese Kurien, Shri Kailash Satyarthi, and Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, among other eminent personalities. In 2026, SRKKF also instituted the Santokbaa Social Entrepreneurship Award, with Shri Srikanth Bolla becoming its inaugural recipient.
As the Santokbaa Humanitarian Award completed a remarkable 20-year journey, the milestone celebration reaffirmed the enduring importance of empathy, service and purposeful leadership in shaping a better future. The journey endures, contributing towards nation-building through compassion, innovation and service to humanity.