Garhwal Post Bureau
Chandigarh, 22 Dec: YouVAH -Youth for Voluntary Action in Himachal, an NGO based in Himachal Pradesh, has been conferred the “Social Impact Award 2025” for its exemplary relief and service efforts during the recent disaster in the state.
The honour was presented during a two-day workshop on “Environment and Youth” held at Panjab University on 20–21 December, focusing on promoting climate adaptation and mitigation through NGO leadership.
The workshop was organised under the joint auspices of the Association of Professional Social Workers & Development Practitioners (APSWDP), Vishva Yuvak Kendra, and the Department of Environment Studies, Panjab University.
The award was jointly presented by Kamal Kishore Yadav, Secretary, Department of Industries, Government of Punjab, Dr Rajan Welukar, former Vice-Chancellor, University of Mumbai, and Dr Vivek Trivedi, Founder, APSWDP.
Receiving the award on behalf of YouVAH NGO were co-founders Sudhanshu Thakur and Lalit Kumar Dogra, along with Coordinator Rita, Joint Secretary Moti Lal, and Spokespersons Aarti and Jyoti.
State Media Coordinator Thakur Dixit Dhalaria stated that the NGO had recently conducted the “Ummeed Himachal Abhiyan”, a campaign to support disaster-affected and needy communities across the region. Under this initiative, financial and material assistance worth several lakh rupees was extended in multiple forms to affected families, which significantly contributed to the organisation being selected for this award. He emphasised that this recognition belongs not only to the members of the NGO but also to all partners and supporters whose cooperation made these service efforts possible.
Yuva NGO has been consistently engaged throughout the year in awareness drives, relief campaigns, and creative community programmes aimed at bringing about positive social change in Himachal Pradesh. State President Kashmir Singh credited this achievement to the dedication and hard work of every member of the organisation.
At the valedictory session of the workshop, YouVAH NGO also signed a Memorandum of Understanding with APSWDP to ensure continued collaboration in future programmes and joint initiatives.
On this occasion, members Sudhanshu Thakur, Lalit Dogra, Aarti Sharma, Ritu, Jyoti, and Moti Lal were prominently present.
