Driving Grassroots Transformation: Jubilant Bhartia Foundation and Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship recognise Social Entrepreneur of the Year - India 2025
Amid growing recognition of grassroots innovation as a force for systemic change, the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation and the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, a sister organisation of the World Economic Forum, today honored Piyush Tewari with the 16thSocial Entrepreneur of the Year Award (SEOY)– India 2025.
The prestigious award was presented at a ceremony in New Delhi, in the distinguished presence of Shri SureshPrabhu, Former Union Minister, Govt. of India and India’s Sherpa to G7 and G20, along with dignitaries from policy, business, academia and civil society. Mr. Anshu Gupta, Founder Director, GOONJ, also graced the event with his presence.
The work of this year’s winner and finalists put the spotlight on the varied societal challenges ranging from poverty alleviation, improving road safety & emergency medical care, building sustainable livelihoods for rural artisans and community led development in underserved regions.
Piyush Tewari has been recognised for his pioneering work in road safety and emergency care through the Zero-Fatality Solution (ZFS), a data-driven model deployed across 36 highways in 16 states, significantly reducing road crash deaths by up to 67% on key corridors. Under his leadership, SaveLIFE Foundation has influenced landmark policy reforms such as the Good Samaritan Law, ensured safer travel for over 190 million people and mobilised over USD 70 million in public investment for road safety infrastructure and trauma care. His approach combines engineering, enforcement, emergency response and community engagement to create safer roads nationwide.
Speaking at the event, Chief GuestShri Suresh Prabhu, applauded the awardees, stating, “The greater contribution of all the social entrepreneurs is truly commendable. My congratulations to all finalists.The final goal is to make all lives happy. Social institutions are essential for the betterment of society.Today’s program will be another accelerator in that direction.I feel fortunate to be here — among those who are working to make the lives of others better.”
Echoing this sentiment,Mrs. Hilde Schwab, Co-Founder and Chairperson, of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, and Professor Klaus Schwab, Founder of the World Economic Forum and Co-Founder of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship, said, “Social entrepreneurs in India continue to inspire the world with their deep-rooted commitment to equity, inclusion and innovation. This year’s finalists have built locally embedded, people-centric models—from empowering rural women to transforming public safety—that deliver real, systemic change. Social entrepreneurship is about
reshaping how societies function through empathy, courage and resilience. As we mark 16 years of partnership with the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation, we are proud to celebrate these visionary leaders who are redefining development and influencing global conversations on inclusive growth."
Mr. Shyam S Bhartia, Chairman and Founder and Mr. Hari S Bhartia, Chairman & Co-Founder, of Jubilant Bhartia Group and Founder Directors of Jubilant Bhartia Foundation, congratulated the winner and finalists and shared, “This year’s finalists are true nation-builders. Their work—in the areas of public safety, women’s economic empowerment, rural innovation and artisan leadership embodya spirit of self-reliance and dignity. Through the SEOY India platform, we are proud to honour changemakers who are solving India’s toughest challenges with deep local insight that have global relevance.” They further added, “The world of business has much to learn from social entrepreneurs—their proximity to the problem, agility in response and purpose-driven approach. This platform is our commitment to fostering cross-sector collaboration that drives national good.”
They also mentioned the formal launch of Bharat Impact -TheJubilant BhartiaCenteforSocial Entrepreneurship, a collaborative initiative to provide mentorship, incubation support and networking opportunities to social entreprenuers across India. This will act as a ecosystem for social entrepreneurship in India helping in scaling up social innovations.
Ms. Sheeren Bhan, the Managing Editor of CNBC TV 18 hosted the award ceremony.
In addition to Piyush Tewari, the other finalists for the award included Nagakarthik MP ofSauramandala Foundation, who has been creating decentralised development hubs in the Northeast through community-led governance and policy integration; Kalpanaa Sankar of Hand in Hand Foundation, who has pioneered a development organisation committed to eradicating poverty through sustainable, community-led interventions; and Sumita Ghose of Rangsutra Crafts India, who has empowered more than 8,000 rural women artisans through an inclusive, co-owned craft enterprise.
Now in its 16th year, the Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award – India is a joint initiative of the Schwab Foundation for Social Entrepreneurship and the Jubilant Bhartia Foundation. It continues to celebrate transformative leaders who are driving large-scale impact through innovative, inclusive, and sustainable approaches.
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