Honouring Leaders Who Are Driving Real Change Globally
- Parag Shetty
- Apr 11
- 4 min read
Updated: May 11
In an age where sustainable development and social action are vital, the Change Maker Awards 2024 served as a meaningful platform to celebrate those who are actively contributing to a better world. Held on January 2, 2025, at the Le Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Center, the event brought together prominent figures from across industries and continents to recognize their work in advancing sustainability, governance, and social upliftment.
A Purposeful Gathering in Dubai
Hosted by the ESG Research Foundation in collaboration with BNW Developments, the event was a celebration of both achievement and commitment. It highlighted individuals and organizations who have stepped beyond the norm to create long-term impact. These were not just names being recognized for business excellence, but for actively shaping communities and policies around responsible growth.
The event emphasized the growing need for impactful work in environmental responsibility, innovation in governance, and social initiatives that reach underserved populations. In doing so, it brought together change-makers under one roof to reflect on progress made and the road ahead.
Abhay Bhutada’s Contribution to Social Upliftment
Among the distinguished guests at the event was Abhay Bhutada, a respected member of the Poonawalla Group. He was honoured for his continued involvement in impactful initiatives through the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, which focuses on enhancing education and support systems for underprivileged communities in India.
Through the foundation, Abhay Bhutada has facilitated various grassroots programs aimed at children and young learners. His work reflects a balanced blend of leadership, empathy, and a hands-on approach to social development. While his business acumen is widely recognized, this event placed a well-deserved spotlight on his philanthropic side.
An Evening That Celebrated Many Voices
The evening was not just about the award distribution. It also included insightful keynotes, panel sessions, and audio-visual storytelling that showcased the real-world impact of the honourees. Prominent speakers like Faris Saeed, Fadi Al-Shihabi, and Dr Atul Kumar Gupta spoke about integrating sustainability into everyday practices and long-term governance models.
Padma Shri awardee Kailash Kher’s live musical performance added a cultural and emotional layer to the event. The performance underlined the message that art, too, has a role in carrying forward the message of sustainability and change.
Distinguished Guests and Notable Attendees
Several well-known names graced the event, offering both their presence and insights. These included:
Kapil Dev, celebrated Indian cricketer and environmental advocate
Suresh Oberoi, veteran Indian actor with a deep interest in environmental causes
Dr Mohammad S. Al Kindi, former UAE Minister of Environment and Water
Yaqoob Al Ali, a strategic advisor based in the UAE
Shibani Akhtar, who hosted the evening with grace and energy
Each guest brought their own perspective and voice to the gathering, collectively reinforcing the importance of community, action, and vision.
Celebrating a Diverse Group of Awardees
The list of recipients covered a wide array of sectors and achievements. From energy policy reformers to environmental engineers and community developers, each individual was acknowledged for their distinctive contribution to the global sustainability movement.
Some of the notable awardees included Kandeh Yumkella, Alexander Das, Chockkalingam Karuppaiah, Medea Nocentini, Raman Bhatia, Nishant Arya, and many more. These individuals represented not only different geographies but also different approaches to solving global challenges.
Message from the Organisers
The organizing partners delivered powerful messages of unity and responsibility. Ankur Aggarwal, Chairman of BNW Developments, spoke about the event as a space for reflection and action. He emphasized the importance of such platforms to push the conversation on sustainability forward.
Vivek Anand Oberoi, Co-Founder and Managing Director of BNW Developments, shared how his organization is building structures and communities around ESG principles.
Rajesh Kr. Bhalla, CEO of ESG Research Foundation, said the event reflected the larger effort being made globally to integrate ethical and inclusive practices in day-to-day operations. Jai Prakash Agarwal from ICAI’s Dubai Chapter added that recognising real heroes was essential in this era, where such voices guide the way forward.
Check This Also Out: The Financial Journey of Abhay Bhutada from Vision to Success
Shaping Tomorrow Through Today’s Efforts
One of the defining features of the event was the shared belief that change requires collective action. Recognizing and honouring those who are already walking that path is not just about awards—it’s about amplifying the impact of their work and encouraging others to join in.
In that spirit, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation stands out as a strong example of how individual commitment to social development can take root in institutions and bring about tangible improvements in the lives of many. Whether it’s distributing STEM kits or supporting educational opportunities, the foundation’s work reflects its founder’s belief in building a stronger future through consistent effort.
Conclusion
The Change Maker Awards 2024 did more than honour individuals. It reignited conversations about global responsibility and placed the spotlight on people who are actually making a difference. The presence of Abhay Bhutada, along with other awardees and keynote speakers, was a reminder that the power to drive change exists across sectors, cultures, and communities.
As the world grapples with challenges ranging from environmental stress to education gaps, events like these remind us that recognition fuels responsibility. And responsibility, when guided by intent, is the first step toward lasting impact.
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