Santosh Suresh Vanjari Honored with Rashtra Seva Puraskar 2025 for Transformative Social Work in Maharashtra

Santosh Suresh Vanjari, a committed social worker from Maharashtra, India, has been conferred with the prestigious Rashtra Seva Puraskar 2025 by the Bharat Seva Society, recognizing his outstanding contribution to women empowerment and rural development over nearly three decades. The award celebrates his unwavering dedication to social upliftment and his impactful efforts in creating sustainable pathways for dignity, self-reliance, and inclusive growth among vulnerable communities.

With 28 years of continuous service, Santosh Suresh Vanjari has emerged as a respected figure in grassroots development, particularly in rural and semi-urban regions of Maharashtra. His work reflects a deep understanding of social realities and a compassionate approach toward addressing systemic inequalities faced by women and marginalized groups. Through consistent advocacy and hands-on engagement, he has worked to foster a culture rooted in respect, opportunity, and collective responsibility.

A major pillar of Santosh Vanjari’s work has been skill development and entrepreneurship. Over the years, he has successfully coordinated numerous training initiatives that have empowered more than 3,000 individuals, including girls, women, and men, to become economically self-reliant. His expertise in fashion design and tailoring has played a critical role in enabling women’s groups to establish small enterprises, transforming traditional skills into viable sources of income. These initiatives have not only improved household livelihoods but have also strengthened women’s confidence and decision-making abilities within their families and communities.

Beyond skill training, Santosh Vanjari has made significant contributions to the self-help group movement, particularly in the Pune region. He has guided and mentored over 5,000 rural women, helping them access financial literacy, collective savings mechanisms, and entrepreneurial opportunities. His approach combines practical training with long-term mentorship, ensuring that women are equipped not only with skills but also with the resilience and knowledge required to sustain their ventures.

Santosh Vanjari’s work emphasizes holistic development. By encouraging collaboration, peer learning, and mutual support, he has helped build strong community networks that extend beyond individual success stories. These networks have become platforms for social awareness, leadership development, and community problem-solving, contributing to broader rural development outcomes.

The Rashtra Seva Puraskar 2025 stands as a testament to Santosh Suresh Vanjari’s lifelong commitment to service and social justice. His journey underscores the transformative power of grassroots leadership and sustained community engagement. As Maharashtra and the nation continue to focus on inclusive development, his work serves as an inspiring example of how dedication, skill, and compassion can bring meaningful change to society.