3rd Prithvi Award 2025: India’s Top Companies Honored for Sustainability Excellence
In a grand celebration of environmental stewardship, the ESG Research Foundation (ESGRF), a leading Section 8 not-for-profit organization, hosted the 3rd Prithvi Award on September 27, 2025, at the Hotel Shangri-La, New Delhi. The event honored over 25 organizations, including industry giants like Dabur India Ltd, for their exemplary contributions to sustainability, marking a significant milestone in India’s journey toward a greener and more responsible corporate ecosystem.
A Night of Recognition and Inspiration
The 3rd Prithvi Award ceremony, a flagship initiative of ESGRF, spotlighted the growing importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles in shaping India’s corporate landscape. The event was graced by Shri Arjun Ram Meghwal, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Law and Justice (Independent Charge), Parliamentary Affairs, and Culture, who served as the Chief Guest. In his keynote address, Minister Meghwal lauded the awardees, saying, “These organizations are not just business leaders but torchbearers of sustainability. Their efforts align with India’s vision of a prosperous yet environmentally responsible future.”
A highlight of the evening was the launch of a Coffee Table Book by Minister Meghwal, chronicling ESGRF’s transformative initiatives in promoting sustainable practices across industries.
Honoring ESG Trailblazers
The Prithvi Awards recognized organizations that have seamlessly integrated ESG principles into their operations, proving that profitability and sustainability can coexist. Among the awardees was Dabur India Ltd, celebrated for its innovative environmental initiatives. The ceremony also felicitated Shri Mahesh Bajaj, Former Executive Director of Indian Bank, for his pivotal role as a jury member in evaluating the nominees.
CA Atul Gupta, Founder Director of ESGRF, along with CA Deepak Batra, Director, and CEO Rajesh Bhalla, shared the foundation’s vision:
“Sustainability is no longer optional—it’s a necessity for resilience and growth. The Prithvi Awards honor leaders who are redefining success by prioritizing the planet and its people alongside profits.”
A Gathering of Visionaries
The event saw the participation of an illustrious panel of Guests of Honour, including:
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CA Sandeep Gupta, Chairman & Managing Director, GAIL (India) Limited
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CA Anuj Jain, Director (Finance), Indian Oil Corporation Limited
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CA Mahaveer Singhvi, IFS, Former Joint Secretary, Ministry of External Affairs
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Shri Ajay Mittal, IAS (Retd.), Former Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting
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Shri Mahesh Bajaj, Former Executive Director, Indian Bank
Their presence underscored the unified commitment to embedding ESG principles across sectors. The ceremony featured four high-impact technical sessions, delving into critical topics such as Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting (BRSR), green finance, and the role of technology in advancing sustainability.
A standout moment was the special address by CA Vineet Kothari, former Chief Justice of the Gujarat High Court, who offered a compelling perspective on the ethical and legal dimensions of corporate accountability in environmental governance.
Empowering Change Through Knowledge
To inspire widespread adoption of sustainable practices, ESGRF unveiled three impactful knowledge resources:
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A Coffee Table Book highlighting the foundation’s groundbreaking work in ESG advocacy.
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A Documentary Movie showcasing real-world ESG projects driving tangible change.
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A booklet, ‘Aspire to Inspire’, featuring case studies of award-winning companies to motivate others to embrace sustainability.
These resources aim to serve as a blueprint for organizations looking to align with global ESG standards.
Driving India’s ESG Revolution
The 3rd Prithvi Award underscores ESGRF’s unwavering commitment to making sustainability a cornerstone of India’s corporate strategy. By recognizing organizations that lead by example, the foundation is fostering a movement toward a greener, more equitable future. As India strengthens its position as a global leader in sustainability, events like these highlight the power of collective action in addressing environmental challenges.
About ESG Research Foundation
The ESG Research Foundation (ESGRF) is a Section 8 not-for-profit organization dedicated to advancing Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles through research, education, and its flagship Prithvi Awards. With a mission to drive sustainable innovation, ESGRF is shaping a future where businesses thrive by prioritizing people and the planet.
For more details, visit www.esgrf.org.
Contact:
ESG Research Foundation
New Delhi, India
Email: info@esgrf.org
Website: www.esgrf.org
Published by: The Newswala
www.thenewswala.com