The foundation seeks to honour social changemakers and innovators.
Bhubaneswar: The Bansidhar and Ila Panda Foundation (BIPF) has officially opened applications for the Shambhavi Puraskar 2026. This marks the 13th year of the prestigious award, which seeks to find and honour the most dedicated Odisha changemakers working at the grassroots level. If you are an individual or organization driving real social transformation, this is your chance to be recognized.
The main award is a significant one, including a cash prize of ₹5,00,000, a citation, and a trophy. Additionally, a Jury Commendation Certification, which includes a ₹1,00,000 cash award, will also be presented. Since its inception in 2014, the BIPF has used this platform to support these champions, helping them gain visibility and connect with a wider network of social investors.
In an exciting development for 2026, the foundation has introduced a new focus on social innovation Odisha. This category is designed to encourage startups, entrepreneurs, students, and NGOs who are using unconventional or technology-driven solutions to solve local problems. This applies to fields like education, healthcare, livelihoods, water and sanitation, and women’s empowerment.
An independent jury panel, featuring respected leaders from government, academia, media, and industry, will select the winners. They will look for key criteria including the project's impact, its sustainability, community participation, and scalability.
This latest Bhubaneswar news is a call to action for all social sector workers. Interested applicants can find all the details and application forms on the official BIPF website, www.bipf.org. The deadline for all submissions is November 30, 2025.
The Bansidhar and Ila Panda Foundation, established in 2011, is the social arm of Indian Metals and Ferro Alloys Ltd (IMFA). It is a key implementation partner in Odisha, working closely with state and central governments to improve the lives of marginalized communities through various sustainable programs. This award is a core part of its mission to uplift the state.
