About |
New Delhi, October 1, 2025 — School Health Annual Report Programme (SHARP) NGO, India’s largest school health network, has been conferred with the Mahatma Award 2025 for Social Good and Impact at a distinguished ceremony held at the India International Centre, New Delhi.
Dr. Puran Prakash Sharma, Founder of SHARP NGO, received the award on behalf of the organization in recognition of SHARP’s 25-year legacy of improving health, education, and community well-being across India — a journey defined by innovation, compassion, and measurable social change.
The ceremony brought together senior representatives from the corporate sector, government, and civil society, acknowledging the collective contributions of organizations that have created measurable community impact through sustained and ethical action.
The dignitaries commended SHARP’s innovative approach in bridging school systems with preventive health care and its pivotal role in advancing India’s public health and education agenda.
The Mahatma Award, an initiative of the Aditya Birla Group and the Mahatma Foundation, was founded by Mr. Amit Sachdeva, widely recognized as the “CSR Man of India.” Since 2016, it has honoured luminaries such as Ratan Tata, Azim Premji, Sudha Murty, and Shabana Azmi, celebrating individuals and organizations that exemplify Mahatma Gandhi’s principles of service, innovation, and leadership. Supported by Mrs. Rajashree Birla, the award highlights changemakers working toward a just, equitable, and sustainable world.
Founded in 1999 by Dr. Puran Prakash Sharma, SHARP NGO has become India’s premier school health network, touching 1.8 million children across 10,000 schools and partnering with corporates and governments nationwide. The award specifically acknowledges SHARP’s innovative contributions to Gender Equality, Health Access, and Social Impact.
“Receiving the Mahatma Award on Gandhi Jayanti is a deeply humbling moment,” said Dr. Puran Prakash, Founder of SHARP NGO. “It symbolizes our commitment to Gandhian values — serving the most vulnerable through health, education, and community partnerships. This honor belongs to every teacher, student, doctor, and volunteer who has been part of SHARP’s journey over the past 25 years.”
Media Contact
Ishita Ahuja
SHARP NGO
B-6/21 Extension, Safdarjung Enclave
New Delhi, Delhi 110029
Email: sharp@schoolindia.org
Website: www.schoolindia.org
About SHARP NGO
School Health Annual Report Programme (SHARP) is a national non-profit organization founded in 1999, dedicated to advancing school health and preventive care across India. With a network spanning 65+ cities, SHARP has implemented innovative projects in partnership with corporates and government bodies to build a generation of healthier, more resilient students.
Its mission is to ensure that every child in India grows healthy, learns better, and lives stronger. Core Programs Include: Comprehensive Health Screening: Digital health records and annual check-ups for students. Mental Health Support, Nutrition & Food Security, Road Safety Awareness: Behavioral change for safer communities, Environmental Sustainability: Green initiatives and climate education, COVID-19 Relief: Rapid response and rehabilitation efforts
About Mahatma Awards: The Mahatma Award honors individuals and organizations that embody Mahatma Gandhi's values of service, innovation, and leadership. Supported by Mrs. Rajashree Birla of the Aditya Birla Group, the award celebrates impact leaders and changemakers working toward a just, equitable, and sustainable future.