Sarvottam Nagrik Samman: Seema Singh’s Vision of Recognition for India’s True Contributors

An atmosphere of respect and recognition marked the Sarvottam Nagrik Samman 2025, organised by Seema Singh, renowned philanthropist and often referred to as the Mother of Orphans. Held at Hotel Sahara Star, the ceremony brought together voices of influence, service, and deep societal impact to honour India’s most committed contributors.

The programme commenced with a keynote address by the Governor of Maharashtra, who applauded Singh’s leadership and underlined the vital role of civic duty in nation-building. This was followed by remarks from Ashish Shelar, BJP Mumbai President and Member of the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly, who spoke about the relevance of grassroots leadership and citizen-driven progress.

Among the distinguished attendees and honourees were:

• Padma Vibhushan Dr. Anil Kakodkar, eminent nuclear scientist

• Padma Bhushan Dr. Vijay Bhatkar, architect of India’s first indigenous supercomputer

• Padma Shri Dr. Shankar Mahadevan, acclaimed music composer and vocalist

• Padma Bhushan Anupam Kher, veteran actor and motivational speaker

• Padma Shri Vijender Singh, Olympic boxer and youth icon

• Imtiaz Ali, celebrated filmmaker known for socially conscious cinema

In her address, Seema Singh shared the deeper intent behind the platform:

“It is not just about awarding the celebrated — it is about recognising the silent warriors who transform lives without headlines. This is their stage.”

Through her foundation, MeghaShrey, Singh has consistently created platforms that bridge privilege with purpose supporting causes related to child welfare, women’s empowerment, health, and rural upliftment.

The evening was a carefully curated celebration of excellence — from moving speeches and cultural tributes to the meaningful acknowledgment of changemakers from across fields. As the ceremony concluded, what remained was not just applause, but a sense of collective purpose — a reminder that behind every progressive society stand individuals who work, often quietly, for the greater good.