Bhubaneswar: AJSA India, an Odisha-based non-governmental organization (NGO), has been honored with the prestigious Bridgestone Mobility Social Impact Award 2024 in the category of “Increase Access to Resources.” The award, accompanied by a cash prize of Rs. 1.5 million, was presented by Bridgestone Corporation in recognition of AJSA India’s outstanding efforts to uplift marginalized tribal communities through women-led, farm-based initiatives. The awards ceremony took place in Pune, where AJSA’s Executive Director Manoranjan Behera, along with Chief Advisor Prof. Vinod C. Menon, accepted the accolade.
The Bridgestone Mobility Social Impact Awards (MSIA), launched in 2021, celebrate innovations in mobility that address critical social issues while promoting sustainable development. This year, 114 national-level entries competed for the award, with AJSA India’s work standing out for its transformative impact on vulnerable tribal households. The award highlights their efforts to empower women through sustainable livelihood projects, which have improved the lives of 3,500 tribal families in Odisha.
AJSA India’s award-winning project focuses on women’s empowerment through the establishment of agricultural producer groups, climate-resilient farming practices, and livestock rearing. A notable feature of the initiative is the use of “Green Express” electric vehicle carts to enhance mobility, enabling farmers to access markets more efficiently. This innovation has significantly boosted the economic prospects of these households, providing them with sustainable resources and reducing socio-economic vulnerabilities.
Hiroshi Yoshizane, Managing Director of Bridgestone India, praised AJSA India’s contributions, stating, “Bridgestone’s mission of ‘Serving Society with Superior Quality’ aligns perfectly with the work AJSA India is doing to empower marginalized populations. Their efforts in promoting sustainable development and fostering social inclusion are exemplary.”
Prof. Vinod C. Menon, Chief Advisor of AJSA India and a Founder Member of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), expressed his gratitude, saying, “This recognition will further amplify our mission to build resilient and empowered communities in some of the most vulnerable regions of India. AJSA’s model of rural development, centered around women’s empowerment and sustainable resource access, is not only scalable but also crucial for advancing economic and gender equality.”
Manoranjan Behera, Executive Director of AJSA India, dedicated the award to the women leaders of the communities they serve. “This recognition is a testament to the determination and leadership of the women in our project. Through the ‘Green Express’ initiative, we have not only improved access to markets but also enhanced the climate resilience of these communities. This award reinforces our commitment to creating lasting social and economic inclusion in the most underserved regions.”