Recognition for Transforming Healthcare Through Vision and Service
Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao, Founder of L V Prasad Eye Institute (LVPEI), received the SantokBaa Humanitarian Award 2026 in recognition of his outstanding contributions to healthcare. The award acknowledges the transformative impact of LVPEI, which has improved the lives of thousands through compassionate care, dedicated service, and visionary leadership.
Celebrating Two Decades of Humanitarian Excellence
Shri Govind Dholakia, Founder Chair Emeritus of the Shree Ramkrishna Knowledge Foundation (SRKKF), the philanthropic arm of Shree Ramkrishna Exports (SRK), established the SantokBaa Humanitarian Awards in 2006. Over the past two decades, the awards have recognized individuals who exemplify selfless service and transformative leadership.
Moreover, the awards carry forward the legacy of compassion, humility, and service embodied by Shri Dholakia’s mother, SantokBaa.
Distinguished Guests Attend the Award Ceremony
The award ceremony brought together several eminent personalities, including Mr. Harivansh Narayan Singh, Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha; Mr. Harsh Sanghavi, Deputy Chief Minister of Gujarat; and Shri C.R. Patil, Union Minister of Jal Shakti. Several other distinguished leaders and dignitaries also attended the event.
Independent Jury Selects Award Recipients
An independent jury comprising leaders from diverse fields selected the recipients for the 2026 awards. The jury included Shri Govindan Rangarajan, Director of the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru; Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, former Chairman of ISRO; Admiral R. Hari Kumar (Retd.), former Chief of the Indian Navy; Shri Rishabh Shroff, Partner at Cyril Amarchand Mangaldas; and Shri Shreyans Dholakia, Entrepreneur and Brand Custodian of SRK.
Dr Rao Dedicates Honour to the Cause of Accessible Eye Care
Expressing his gratitude, Dr. Gullapalli N. Rao said, “I’m honored to receive this award that represents the values that I have lived my life by—empathy, service, and a commitment to improving lives. I accept it on behalf of the many individuals and institutions who have dedicated themselves to the cause of expanding access to quality eye care. I look forward to my team at LVPEI learning a great deal from Govindkaka and the world-class operational systems of SRK.”
Award Recognizes Purpose-Driven Leadership
As per the press release, the SantokBaa Humanitarian Award recognizes individuals whose work has created meaningful and lasting social impact across communities.
Speaking about this year’s awardees, Shri Govind Dholakia said, “The recipients of this year’s award have demonstrated how purpose-driven action can touch millions of lives. Their vision, dedication, and service have created lasting impact, and it reminds us that true success is not in personal achievements but in how we uplift those around us.”
Honouring India’s Most Respected Change-Makers
Over the last 20 years, the SantokBaa Humanitarian Award has honoured some of India’s most respected humanitarian and social leaders. Past recipients include Shri Ratan Tata, His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Dr. Sudha Murty, Dr. Cyrus Poonawalla, Shri Shiv Nadar, Dr. Abhay Bang and Dr. Rani Bang, Dr. Verghese Kurien, Shri Kailash Satyarthi, and Shri A.S. Kiran Kumar, among several other eminent personalities.
Other Awardees Recognised for Social Impact
This year, the foundation also honoured Smt. Reema Nanavaty, Director and Founder of the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA), and Mr. Srikant Bolla, Founder of Bollant Industries, an eco-friendly manufacturing company that provides employment opportunities to persons with disabilities.
Milestone Celebration Reinforces Values of Compassion and Service
As the SantokBaa Humanitarian Award completed its remarkable 20-year journey, the milestone celebration reaffirmed the enduring importance of empathy, service, and purpose-driven leadership. The event highlighted how these values continue to inspire individuals and institutions working towards building a more inclusive and compassionate future.