The 10th N.S. Hema Memorial Awards marked a decade of recognising grassroots organisations advancing disability inclusion while strengthening pathways for long-term institutional growth.
The N.S. Hema Memorial Awards celebrate the legacy of APD’s founder by recognising grassroots organisations advancing disability inclusion.
The 10th milestone edition moved beyond recognition alone, with a stronger focus on institutional strengthening, ecosystem building and future funding readiness.
Founded by Ms. N.S. Hema, APD has empowered over 1 million lives across India since 1959.
Held on 3 October 2026 as part of APD Founder’s Day, the milestone edition marked ten years of recognising organisations working towards a more inclusive society for persons with disabilities.
The 2026 edition recognised organisations demonstrating meaningful and sustainable impact across health and livelihoods.
Recognising organisations improving health, rehabilitation and well-being through inclusive and accessible practices, early intervention, assistive technology, mental health and equitable access to quality health services.
Recognising organisations creating meaningful livelihood opportunities through inclusive employment, entrepreneurship, skill development, financial independence and workplace accessibility.
An independent expert jury assessed organisations across four core areas.
Evidence of measurable outcomes for persons with disabilities.
Meaningful involvement of persons with disabilities in programme design and delivery.
Potential for the model to be replicated or scaled across other communities.
Strong financial accountability, transparency and organisational systems.
The 10th edition was designed not only to recognise strong organisations, but also to strengthen promising grassroots partners for the future.
Future partnership, co-funding and strategic opportunities for high-potential organisations.
Mentorship, operational refinement and institutional strengthening.
Collaboration and knowledge-sharing across disability-sector organisations.
Celebrating organisations recognised through the N.S. Hema Memorial Awards for their contributions to disability inclusion.
| Year | Winner / Category | Location / Recognition |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | PACT – Prakyata Abhinand Charitable Trust Established NGO — Health | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| 2026 | Aarambh Society for Autism and Slow Learners Established NGO — Livelihood | Aurangabad, Maharashtra |
| 2026 | Arivu Trust Emerging NGO — Health | Mangaluru, Karnataka |
| 2026 | PAPCP – Parents Association of Persons with Cerebral Palsy and Associated Disorders Emerging NGO — Livelihood | Bengaluru, Karnataka |
| 2025 | PHIN DEAF | Telangana |
| 2024 | Santhideepam School for Differently Abled | Kannur, Kerala |
| 2023 | Saadhya Trust | Hassan, Karnataka |
| 2022 | Arvi Trust | Dindigul, Tamil Nadu |
| 2021 | Sristi Foundation | Villupuram, Tamil Nadu |
| 2020 | Agni Raksha | Bengaluru |
| 2019 | Sri Arunodayam Charitable Trust | Chennai |
| 2018 | Karnataka Hemophilia Society | Davanagere |
| 2017 | Tamahar Trust | Bengaluru |
APD continues to honour the legacy of N.S. Hema by recognising organisations advancing disability inclusion and strengthening opportunities for persons with disabilities.
