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Achi news desk-
Pramerica Life Insurance, one of India’s fastest growing life insurers, concluded its Emerging Visionaries program by announcing this year’s winners – two exceptional young change makers, Khusbu Marandi and Harini M from Jharkhand and Tamil Nadu respectively , with certificates of excellence, gold medallions, a cash prize of INR 50,000/- each and a fully funded trip to the US. The programme, Emerging Visionaries, recognizes the outstanding efforts of children who make positive contributions to their communities by creating inventive solutions to financial and social challenges.
The two students from class 8, Khusbu Marandi from RAMS Shastri Smarak and Harini M from Panchayat Union Middle School, were among the 26 finalists, aged between 14-18. Their work includes addressing the needs to alleviate financial struggles and awareness against suicide in the community. Recognizing the plight of poor students who cannot afford proper attire, Khusbu began vocational training in sewing and stitching. Harini M took up the cudgels to fight the serious issue of rising student suicides in her area. Her work includes providing self-confidence classes and awareness campaigns, reaching over 15,000 students in 120 schools.
The program represents the evolution of the Lean Community Spirit Awards, a long-standing program that has recognized over 150,000 young individuals over 27 years worldwide and has a rich legacy over 13 years in India. The Emerging Visionaries program is a manifestation of the company’s overall brand vision of securing and enriching lives while making a positive contribution to social development. The main objective of the program is twofold: to recognize the exceptional efforts of young change makers and to inspire a wider culture of social responsibility.
The financial category of student-led initiatives showcases a range of innovative ideas aimed at economically empowering individuals and communities. One initiative tackles gender disparities in the ride-sharing industry, providing training and employment opportunities for disadvantaged women. Another initiative tackles environmental issues by recycling Teflon pans and creates employment for people with disabilities through art. In addition, a different project turns sports waste into portable speakers, raising money for disadvantaged athletes.
On the other hand, the social category ideas ranged from focusing on breaking taboos around menstruation and promoting menstrual hygiene in rural areas, while another empowers individuals with disabilities through a social enterprise that amplifies the work of NGOs, to the idea which aims to prevent student suicides by establishing students’ self-confidence and resilience.
Speaking on the occasion, Karthik Chakrapani, Chief Business Officer of Pramerica Life Insurance said, “At Pramerica Life Insurance, we believe in fostering a culture of meaningful purpose. The Pramerica Life Insurance Emerging Visionaries Awards highlight the brilliance of young minds who not only dream of change, but actively create it. In a series of challenges, these are the vibrant threads that weave a future where compassion meets innovation, and Pramerica Life Insurance offers them the platform to thrive and succeed.”
The grand finale included an awards ceremony where winners were celebrated in the presence of special guests, including Aditi Govitrikar, a former Indian model and actress. Respected members of the jury such as Dr. Neelam Sukhramani, Professor and Principal at Jamia Millia Islamia University; Rahul Bansal, Head of Private Sector Partnerships and Gandhi Scholar at UNICEF; and Dr. Shreemoyee Bhattacharya, Consultant to the Ministry of Education.
