PINAKI MAJUMDAR
Jamshedpur, Feb 21: The second edition of the XLRI Jamshedpur Emerging Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award (XL-JESEY 2025) concluded recently, celebrating visionary social entrepreneurs who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to driving social change through innovative and sustainable business models.
Hosted by the Centre of Inclusiveness at XLRI Jamshedpur, XL-JESEY aims to recognize and support social entrepreneurs who create meaningful impact through their ventures.
Novel Approaches in Women Entrepreneurship
This year’s theme, “Novel Approaches in Women Entrepreneurship,” honoured individuals whose entrepreneurial initiatives empower women while addressing critical social, economic, and environmental challenges.
The award spotlighted transformative initiatives that contribute to gender equality and inclusive development.
Three exceptional entrepreneurs
The XL-JESEY 2025 award was presented to three exceptional entrepreneurs whose efforts have significantly impacted their communities:
* Premlata Poonia, founder of Hamari Laado, was awarded the top honour for her unwavering dedication to girls’ education and women’s empowerment in rural India. Through her initiative, she has provided essential educational resources, mentorship, and skill development programs, enabling marginalized women to achieve economic independence.
* Anuradha Richhariya, Managing Director of Lalitpur Mahila Kisan Producer Company Limited, was recognized for her contributions to strengthening women-led agricultural enterprises. Her organization supports female farmers by improving access to markets, financial literacy, and sustainable farming practices, enhancing their economic well-being.
* Aruna Tirkey, founder of Ajam Emba, was honoured for her work in reviving indigenous cuisine and empowering tribal women through sustainable food entrepreneurship.
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By promoting traditional culinary practices and providing employment opportunities to tribal women, she has created a model for preserving cultural heritage while fostering economic self-sufficiency.
Each of the three winners was awarded a cash prize of Rs 1,50,000 in recognition of their remarkable contributions to social entrepreneurship.
The recognition not only acknowledges their outstanding efforts but also serves as an encouragement for other aspiring social entrepreneurs to develop sustainable solutions for societal challenges.
The XL-JESEY 2025 awards ceremony was the highlight of the eighth edition of the Social Entrepreneurship Conclave (SEC-8), hosted by the SIGMA-oikos committee of XLRI Jamshedpur.
This conclave brought together visionaries, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to discuss “Women Entrepreneurship & Inclusive Growth.”
The event saw the participation of over 150 attendees, including students, industry leaders, and social entrepreneurs, fostering a meaningful dialogue on the role of women in shaping the entrepreneurial landscape.
