Two Maharashtra NGOs declared winners at Bridgestone India’s Mobility Social Impact Awards 2026

Three NGOs from the state of Maharashtra were recognized for their outstanding contribution to society at the 6^th Edition of Bridgestone India’s Mobility Social Impact Awards 2026. Winner in the Mobility in Empowerment of Vulnerable Communities Category, Anubhuti Charitable Trust, is a women-led NGO working with Nomadic, Denotified, and Adivasi communities in Maharashtra, focusing on empowering first-generation learners through education and leadership development. The organization improves access to education for children and youth in remote areas while providing mental health support, career guidance, gender justice awareness, disaster resilience training, and cultural empowerment. To date, Anubhuti has positively impacted over 8 lakh individuals through training, counselling, scholarships, fellowships, and awareness programs. It regularly engages more than 600 youth across multiple municipal and rural regions through partnerships with over 45 institutions.         

This project alone has supported more than 1,000 children and youth, achieved a 100% education continuation rate and helped 90% remain free from addiction. Many participants are now the first in their communities to pursue higher education and secure opportunities in diverse academic and professional fields. 

United Way of Mumbai, the winner in Excellence and Innovation in Road Safety Category is a non-profit organization dedicated to improving lives by mobilizing communities and implementing impactful solutions to social challenges across urban and rural India. As part of a global United Way network spanning 41 countries and over 130 years of collective experience, the organization focuses on education, livelihood, and health to build stronger and more resilient communities.

One of its key initiatives is the ViA Safe Mobility Programme. Since 2019, the programme has reached over 250,000 young people, promoting safe, inclusive, and sustainable mobility, particularly during school commutes. Through awareness campaigns, project-based learning, and youth leadership, students identify local mobility challenges such as unsafe roads, speeding, poor infrastructure, and accessibility issues, and work towards practical solutions.

By empowering young people to champion road safety and sustainable mobility, United Way Mumbai is fostering safer school journeys and creating lasting positive change in local communities.

MITCON Forum for Social Development from Chandrapur gets Jury Commendation for empowering communities through education, skill development, and CSR-driven social initiatives. The organization focuses on enhancing employability, promoting entrepreneurship, supporting sustainable livelihoods, and improving the overall well-being of underserved communities across rural and urban areas.            

It has developed strong expertise in designing and managing large-scale skilling interventions and has successfully executed projects across multiple states. With a commitment to transparency, accountability, and measurable outcomes, MITCON Forum combines operational flexibility with a clear social mission to deliver impactful and sustainable development programs that contribute to inclusive growth and community empowerment.

“Serving Society with Superior Quality is at the heart of Bridgestone’s purpose, and the Mobility Social Impact Awards are dedicated towards honouring those who are using mobility to foster meaningful and lasting social impact. We are proud to recognize them and their endeavours towards making roads safer, empower communities and drive positive social change across India.” Said Mr. Rajarshi Moitra, Managing Director, Bridgestone India.

“We envision journey of leadership for all our youth - through holistic educational access with understanding of mental health, environment, ancestral knowledge and Indian Constitution. Leading to not only individual development but emergence of hundreds of leaders for larger change. These youth who come from criminalised tribes, are today entering college and universities, pursuing mainstream careers, engaging with the administration and media, revitalizing their cultures & arts, and thus setting historic examples for future generations.” Said Deepa Pawar, Founder Director, Anubhuti Charitable Trust.

“At United Way Mumbai, we believe lasting social change happens when communities are empowered to become active participants in solving the challenges they face. The Bridgestone Mobility Social Impact Awards recognises this approach through our ViA Safe Mobility Ambassador Programme, where young people are equipped not only with knowledge of safe mobility but also with the confidence and agency to identify risks, engage with systems and advocate for change. This recognition reinforces our commitment to creating models that can be sustained, scaled and embedded within communities and institutions across India.” Said Ajay Govale, Senior Vice President – Climate & Community Impact Resiliency, United Way Mumbai.

“I sincerely thank Bridgestone India for recognizing our efforts through the Bridgestone Mobility Social Impact Awards 2026 and for supporting our vision of creating sustainable community impact by helping to avoid human-wildlife conflict at Pangadi Gate in the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve, Chandrapur. This project addresses limited employment opportunities, geographical isolation, and dependence on forest-based livelihoods by providing industry-oriented technical skills training. In addition to vocational training, beneficiaries receive life skills education, digital and financial literacy training, workplace readiness support, career counselling, placement assistance, employer linkages, and entrepreneurship support. This recognition further strengthens our commitment to empowering underserved communities and creating sustainable livelihoods." Said Dr. Ganesh Khamgal, Director & CEO, MITCON Forum for Social Development.

Instituted by Bridgestone India in 2021, the Mobility Social Impact Awards aim to identify, recognize, and promote innovative solutions in sustainable mobility that address social challenges and advance inclusive development through the efforts of not-for-profit organizations. The initiative reflects Bridgestone’s mission of driving social progress through safe and sustainable mobility for all.

The Mobility Social Impact Awards reflect the “Empowerment”, “Ease”, “Emotion” and “ Efficiency” values of the Bridgestone E8 Commitment,* which outline Bridgestone’s corporate commitment to contributing to a society that ensures accessibility and dignity for all (Empowerment), to bringing comfort and peace of mind to mobility life (Ease), inspiring excitement and spreading joy to the world of mobility (Emotion) and maximizing productivity through the advancement of mobility (Efficiency). Through initiatives like MSIA, Bridgestone continues to advance its mission of “Serving Society with Superior Quality” by driving positive change and building safer, more inclusive communities across India.