Reliance Foundation – the philanthropic arm of Mukesh Ambani-led conglomerate Reliance Industries limited (RIL) – and Network 18’s CNN-IBN came together to recognize and acknowledge ordinary Indians who have been making a difference to the lives of people every day. In the 5th edition of ‘Real Heroes Awards 2012’, Reliance Foundation and CNN IBN came together to honour unsung heroes of the country, who have done outstanding service for the country by putting the society before their own being.
Real Heroes Awards, this year, was all about ordinary people who do extraordinary service for the country. At a gala ceremony held at Grand Hyatt, Mumbai, last week, each of the 24 winners of the award was felicitated with a trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 5 lakh amongst many a well-known personalities and dignitaries, including Mukesh Ambani, Chairman and Managing Director of RIL; his wife and Reliance Foundation Chairperson, Nita Ambani; Cricket-icon Sachin Tendulkar; legendary singer LataMangeshkar; actor Aamir Khan and veteran actress HemaMalini, who were the Guests of Honour at the event.Expressing her views about the honorary initiative, Nita Ambani, chairperson of Reliance Foundation said, “Real Heroes continues to recognize the power of belief and conviction that drives the human spirit to bring about real change and positively impact the lives of others. The Real Heroes have proved their mettle by demonstrating deep commitment to be agents of change in their community. We salute the work of these Real Heroes which will emerge as an inspiration to millions in this country.”
From those who have been struggling for the rights of backwards tribes to those working for upliftment of the downtrodden communities; Real Heroes Award acknowledged the work of men and women who have dedicated their lives to community service and making better the way of life. These people were selected from four zones of the country (6 from each zone), shortlisted by the CNN-IBN Editorial Board from across India. An honorary Lifetime Achievement Award was bestowed to Pune’s ShobahnaRanade for having devoted her life towards assisting destitute women and children, making them self-sufficient.
Editor-in-chief at CNN-IBN, IBN7 & IBN Lokmat, RajdeepSardesai, noted that it is because of such heroes that there exists hope for a better future of the country and its many societies. He exclaimed it to be a privilege to have been able to honour these heroes who make a difference to the society and its people day in and day out.