What do Verghese Kurien, Muhammad Yunus and Travis Kalanick have in common? They’re all individuals who have transformed the society around them with the power of their ideas. Kurien, with his concept of milk cooperatives, ensured that India became the largest milk producer in the world, and his business model spawned thousands of entrepreneurs in rural India. Yunus proved that even the poorest people in one of the world’s poorest nations were credit-worthy, bankable customers. Kalanick, through Uber, transformed mobility models in cities, while building a business worth billions. Each of them is a changemaker.

Ironically, most changemakers remain unsung heroes. Not any more. The Hindu BusinessLine is ready to recognise and celebrate heroes, who, with their vision, initiative and drive, are not only transforming the lives of people, but also making the world a better place. The BusinessLine Changemaker Awards seek to recognise and reward individuals, entities and organisations across five categories for work that has materially improved people’s lives, boosted the economy and helped sustain the planet.

Ashoka Innovators for the Public (India) and Deloitte are our knowledge partners in this endeavour.

So, who is eligible for these awards? Any person (or an organisation) that has successfully challenged established practices in India and brought about a positive change that has materially impacted society qualifies for this award. The idea should be recent and original. Ideally, it should be scalable and replicable, and perhaps have even led to a positive change in public policy.

The winners will be chosen by a jury comprising eminent personalities. The awards will be presented at a glittering ceremony in New Delhi early next year.

Those who wish to nominate themselves or other individuals or organisations can do so at www.blchangemakers.com. The nomination window will remain open till January 17, 2018.

Join us in identifying and celebrating our changemakers.

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