Awards and Recognition

We are proud of our team for their unwavering passion, tireless efforts, and the meaningful impact they continue to create in the lives of marginalized communities across Uttarakhand. To us, awards are not a measure of our achievements – they are a reflection of the trust and faith that communities have placed in us. That recognition belongs first and foremost to them.

Rajya Shakti Tilu Rauteli Award (2010)

Renu Thakur was honoured with the Rajya Stree Shakti Teelu Rauteli Award by the Government of Uttarakhand for her outstanding contribution to women empowerment. The award was presented under the leadership of L. Fanai (Director, ICDS, Uttarakhand) and Dr. Rakesh Kumar (Secretary, Women Empowerment and Child Development Department, Government of Uttarakhand).

Karmveer Puraskaar (2012)

Renu Thakur, Founder and CEO of ARPAN, was awarded the Karmaveer Puraskar for her outstanding human rights work by iCongo.

Zila Mahila Samman (2014)

Renu Thakur was awarded the Zila Mahila Samman Award by the Ministry of Women and Child Development in 2014, acknowledging her selfless dedication and long-standing efforts to empower women at the grassroots level.

iVolunteer and Green Guardian Awards

Priyanka Digari, Project Coordinator for ARPAN’s Adolescent Empowerment Initiative, was honoured with the Green Guardian Award 2024 for her exemplary leadership in climate action. Her efforts focused on raising awareness about forest fire prevention and environmental stewardship among the youth and communities of Didihat.

Nari Shakti Vandan, Amar Ujala (2025)

Ganga Basera, Senior Staff Member at ARPAN, received the Naari Shakti Vandan Award from the Amar Ujala Foundation in recognition of ARPAN’s impactful work in advancing women’s and children’s empowerment.

Recognition

ARPAN’s work has been formally recognized by government authorities on multiple occasions:

For efforts during the flash flood emergency by the District Administration (2013)

“ARPAN mobilised immediate relief during the 2013 Uttarakhand flash floods, working with the District Administration to support remote communities and restore hope in devastated areas.”

For contributed dedicated services to the free medical camp By Shri Narayan Ashram(1999)

“ARPAN (Renu Thakur) contributed dedicated service to the Free Medical Diagnostic Camp organized by Shri Narayan Ashram and the Lions Club of Mahakali Caves in 1999, supporting community health needs and extending essential care to people in remote areas.”

For efforts in conducting Awareness programs under “Beti Bachao-Beti Padhao” Scheme (2018)

“For efforts in conducting awareness programs under the ‘Beti Bachao–Beti Padhao’ scheme in Pithoragarh during 2018, contributing meaningfully to community outreach and empowerment.”

For empowering elected women representatives by the Didihat Tehsil authority (2022)

“In 2022, ARPAN worked with Didihat Tehsil to strengthen capacities of elected women representatives, promoting inclusive local governance and women’s leadership in hill villages.”

For supporting girl child rights by the Uttarakhand Women’s Commission (2021)

“Recognised in 2021 by the Uttarakhand Women’s Commission for ARPAN’s sustained efforts to protect girl-child rights, prevent drop-out and forge pathways for education and dignity.”

For community development efforts by the Panchayati Raj Department of Uttarakhand (2023)

“In 2023 the Panchayati Raj Department commended ARPAN for community development initiatives, strengthening grassroots governance and mobilising rural communities for socio-economic change.”

For rendering services to people in need by the District Legal Services Authority (2023)

“In 2023 the District Legal Services Authority awarded ARPAN for its pro-active legal-aid and outreach services enabling access to justice and rights for vulnerable individuals.”