Bengaluru, October 2025 : The Association of People with Disability (APD) hosted the 9th N.S. Hema Memorial Awards at Dwaraka Auditorium, M.S. Ramaiah College, celebrating non-governmental organisations (NGOs) that have made remarkable contributions to the disability sector.
Instituted in memory of N.S. Hema, the visionary founder of APD, who established the organisation in 1959, the awards recognise the relentless efforts of community-led organisations advancing inclusion, accessibility, and dignity for persons with disabilities.
This year, People with Hearing Impaired Network (PHIN), a Hyderabad-based NGO, received the top honour. At the same time, Atchayam Trust, based in Erode, Tamil Nadu, was named runner-up, highlighting diverse work being done across regions to create equal opportunities and empower persons with disabilities.
The other nominations included Nest International Academy and Research Center, Craftizen, and Global Trust for the Differently Abled, each contributing uniquely to empowering persons with disabilities through skill development, advocacy, and education.
The N.S. Hema Memorial Awards continue to serve as a platform to spotlight smaller NGOs that are driving local change through sustained commitment and innovative practices. The award includes a citation, trophy, and cash prize of ₹1,00,000 for the winner, and ₹50,000 for the runner-up.
Reflecting on their win, Smt. Janaki Vujjini, Vice-Chairperson, PHIN, said, “We are truly honoured to receive this award for our initiative, IIFL Samasta, in memory of Ms N.S. Hema. Our association with APD since 2011 has inspired us to create this initiative, specifically designed to provide opportunities for persons with disabilities.
Mr P. Naveen Kumar, Founder and President, Atchayam Trust, stated, “Being the first runner-up for the N.S. Hema Memorial Award is a proud moment for Atchyam Trust. Over the past 12 years, we’ve reached more than 12,000 people, from persons with disabilities to elders and homeless individuals. This recognition motivates us to scale our efforts further and continue building a more inclusive India, despite the challenges we face on the ground.”
Speaking on the occasion and reflecting on APD’s six-decade journey, Shri Subir Hari Singh, Honorary President & Trustee of APD, said, “It’s incredible to think how far we’ve come from N.S. Hema’s vision back in 1959. What she began with courage and compassion has today become a force for inclusion. And every time a life is changed through APD, I’m reminded that her legacy is still alive, not in our walls, but in our work.”
The N.S. Hema Memorial Citation was presented to eleven distinguished individuals with disabilities, such as Prateek Khandelwal, Dr Kiran Nayak. Banoth, Ganga Mandel, Vishwas K. S, Dr Malathi Holla, Vinayak Rao, K. S. Lathakumari (IAS), Nataraj S, N. Muniraju, Sabiyabegam Davalasab Martur, and T. Seetharam, in recognition of their leadership and impact.
The day also marked the launch of APD's Social Security Schemes, and the Yes To Access Volunteering Chatbots; a step towards strengthening accessibility, awareness, and engagement through technology.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest - Dr C.N. Manjunath, Cardiologist and Member of Parliament (Bangalore Rural Lok Sabha constituency), emphasised that “Empowerment of persons with disabilities is a joint responsibility of society and government.”
Guests at the ceremony included; Mrs Jayanti Yeshwant Kumar, Chairperson of the N.S. Hema Awards Jury Committee and Guests of Honour; Shri T. Raghavendra, Director, Department for the Empowerment of Differently Abled & Senior Citizens; Sri Das Suryavamshi, State Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in Karnataka; Shri M. R. Anandram, Secretary, GEF & Director, RIM & RCL.
Delivering the Memorial Lecture, Dr Meenu Bhambhani (VP & Senior Grants Manager, APAC at State Street) called for greater representation of persons with disabilities in the leadership: “Without leadership, inclusion is like a token.”
About the Association of People with Disability (APD)
APD is a pioneering non-profit organisation, established in 1959 by the late Ms N.S. Hema. APD has impacted over 1 million people with disabilities from underprivileged communities, from remote, rural, and poor socioeconomic backgrounds. Various programs by APD cover 19 out of 21 disabilities stated in the RPWD Act 2016. With a diverse and inclusive team of over 400 members (49% women and 18% PwDs), APD has reached over 5 lacs direct & indirect beneficiaries in the last financial year. APD is managed by a professional team of developmental and technical experts overseen by an eminent Board of Governors and Trustees. The Association maintains the highest standards of governance, has been acknowledged by multiple donors, and is accredited by independent agencies such as the TISS, Credibility Alliance, RCI, and NIPMAN Foundation.
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