Bengaluru, September 15, 2025 – Vidyadhan – A Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiative was conferred with the prestigious award for “Excellence in Education and Skill Development” under the NGO category at the India CSR Conference & Awards 2025, hosted by the Federation of Karnataka Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FKCCI). The award was presented by Dr. G. Parameshwara, Hon’ble Home Minister, Government of Karnataka, during the awards ceremony at the FKCCI India CSR and Sustainability Conference, held recently in Bengaluru. Selected from nearly 100 applications, Vidyadhan was recognized for its perseverance, strategic long-term higher education program, and strong sense of purpose in empowering underprivileged students across India. Over the last 25 years, the initiative has impacted more than 18,000 individuals, comprising 13,000 current students and 4,900 alumni through over 63,000 scholarships across 22 States and Union Territories. By combining financial support with mentoring and skill development, Vidyadhan continues to create pathways for socio-economic upliftment and sustainable change. The initiative has consistently demonstrated commitment to nurturing talent and creating opportunities for deserving youth through scholarships, mentoring, and skill development. The award ceremony was part of a day-long conference that featured insightful sessions and panel discussions with leaders from corporates, NGOs, academia, and CSR experts. The conference spotlighted India's evolving CSR landscape, climate action, innovation in CSR, and the importance of diversity and inclusion. Speaking on receiving the award, Asha Thomas, COO, Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI), said: “This award is a testament to the dedication of our team, our partners, and the inspiring students who are at the heart of our initiative. We remain committed to building an ecosystem that supports higher education and skill development for those who need it most. With this honor, Vidyadhan feels further encouraged to transform lives through education while fostering inclusive growth and driving social impact”. About Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI) Driven by a deep sense of responsibility toward society, the Shibulal Family Philanthropic Initiatives (SFPI) has been transforming lives for over 25 years through focused efforts in education, healthcare, organic farming, and the arts. Founded by Mrs. Kumari Shibulal and Mr. S.D. Shibulal, SFPI operates on the belief that education is the key to breaking the cycle of poverty, a principle that shaped the founders’ own journeys. SFPI’s educational initiatives like Ankur, The Samhita Academy, Vidyadhan, and Vidyarakshak empower students from underserved communities, creating opportunities for a better future. In addition, its program Shikshalokam addresses systemic changes in public education. Today, Shikshalokam is co-building Shikshagraha, a people’s movement for education equity that brings together governments, educators, civil society, and communities to drive people-powered reform. Every member of the Shibulal family is personally involved, guided by a shared vision to bridge inequity and create meaningful change. Learn more at: www.sfpi.org About Vidyadhan Vidyadhan empowers underserved students to pursue higher education through scholarships, training, and mentoring. The initiative’s transparent and inclusive model has been a catalyst for social change, impacting thousands of lives. Learn more at www.vidyadhan.org