Dr Ramachandra N Galla, the visionary founder and esteemed leader of the Amara Raja Group, has been conferred with the prestigious Mahatma Award for Lifetime Achievement. This distinguished award is a tribute to individuals who have made significant contributions to society by fostering positive change through their work in sustainability, philanthropy, and corporate social responsibility (CSR).
It recognises leaders and changemakers across sectors—whether in private enterprise, public administration, or development work—who are dedicated to creating a better, more equitable world. The award ceremony saw Dr Galla receiving this honour from a panel of highly respected dignitaries. Among them was Dr Kiran Bedi, India’s trailblazing first female IPS officer and former Lieutenant Governor of Puducherry.
Also presenting the award were Nayantara Sahgal, acclaimed author and niece of India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru; Amit Sachdeva, the founder and visionary behind the Mahatma Award initiative; and Rajashree Birla, the respected Chairperson of the Aditya Birla Centre for Rural Development and Community Initiatives. This esteemed group highlighted the importance of leadership that intertwines business success with social impact.
The Mahatma Award, established with the support of the Aditya Birla Group, holds a special place in recognizing those whose work extends beyond profits to meaningful, transformative initiatives. Since its inception, the award has acknowledged over 250 notable changemakers who have dedicated themselves to creating lasting societal benefits.
These honourees represent a wide spectrum of industries and sectors, all of whom are driven by a common goal: to improve the lives of individuals and communities by championing sustainability, philanthropy, and CSR. In accepting the award, Dr Galla shared heartfelt words of gratitude and reaffirmed his deep commitment to the values that have guided his life’s work.
He expressed, “It is an immense honour to be the recipient of the Mahatma Award for Lifetime Achievement. This recognition strengthens our resolve at Amara Raja to continue our journey of integrating business success with social good. We firmly believe in the concept of trusteeship of resources, where the success of any organisation must be balanced by its responsibility to give back to the community. Over the years, we have remained dedicated to uplifting underprivileged communities through initiatives that create a meaningful and lasting impact.”
The Amara Raja Group, under Dr Galla’s leadership, has long exemplified the principles of responsible corporate leadership. With a focus on sustainability, the company has implemented various initiatives aimed at improving the environment and enhancing the quality of life for the communities it touches. The Group’s CSR efforts span across education, healthcare, and rural development, all of which align with D. Galla’s vision of a business that doesn’t merely seek profit but actively contributes to societal growth and well-being.
The Mahatma Award stands as a testament to Dr Galla’s enduring legacy—a legacy that blends entrepreneurial success with an unwavering dedication to improving society and ensuring a more sustainable future for all. Amara Raja Group is a leading Indian conglomerate with diverse interests spanning automotive batteries, power systems, electronics, and infrastructure. Known for its innovation and sustainability, the company is a major supplier to automotive and industrial sectors globally.
