The PHD Chamber Annual awards for excellence 2009, were announced and SOS Children's Villages of India was selected under the category of outstanding contribution to Social Welfare. The award was presented on the 23rd Dec, 2009 by Mr. Pranab Mukherjee, Hon'ble Finance Minister of India.

This award reiterated the belief and faith that our Founder Father Dr. Hermann Gmeiner had when he started the SOS Movement 60 years ago in 1949.

The SOS Children's village, Jaipur was nominated and thereafter selected for the Godfrey Phillips Bravery awards in the category of the Social Acts of Courage for its yeomen service to the society by educating children.

The Award ceremony took place in Jaipur on December 23, 2009 at the Jaigarh Hall, SMS Convention Centre from 10:30 am to 9:30pm.

The Chief Guest for the event was the Honourable Army Commander of the South Western Command, Lt. General C K S Sabu, AVSM, VSM, ADC, presented the Awards.

This ceremony took place for 3 states - Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Gujarat.

SOS Children's Villages of India was felicitated as the Regional Awardee North in the large NGO category at the India NGO Awards 2007 ceremony held on March 5th at the Sheraton Hotel, New Delhi. The award was conferred by the Resource Alliance in partnership with the Nand & Jeet Khemka Foundation. Mr. S. Sandilya, President, SOS-India, received the award on behalf of the SOS-India family from chief guest Mr. P Chidambaram, Hon'ble Minister of Finance, Govt. of India and guest of honor Mr. N. R Narayana Murthy, Chairman & Chief Mentor- Infosys Technologies Ltd. Mr. P Chidambaram appreciated the most deserving winners and said, "It is a delight to see such selfless devoted people who don't look at monetary awards but serve humanity and create a better place for the people."

The India NGO Award is an initiative of The Resource Alliance in partnership with The Nand and Jeet Khemka Foundation. Launched in 2006, it seeks to acknowledge and felicitate organisations that are setting and promoting best practices in resource mobilisation, accountability and transparency. 131 NGOs from across the country participated in the India NGO Awards 2007 under three different categories- Small, Medium, and Large based on their annual budget for 2006-7. Entries were evaluated on the effective and sustainable mobilisation of resources, the demonstration of efficient management of resources, good governance practices, transparency, accountability, and the impact of the services it provides to the community they aim to serve.

Celebrating the spirit of womanhood on the occasion of Women's Day, BIG 92.7 FM, India's largest Pvt. FM radio network, felicitated Sadhna Bhatnagar from SOS Children's Villages of India for her contribution to society at the BIG Women's Achievement Awards at the ICONGO event held in the city. Four other notable ladies were also honored at this occasion. Guests of Honour, Nandita Das and Don Mohan Lal (President, Jeet Khemka Foundation), presented the BIG trophies to these women. Also, on air were Ms. Shiela Dixit, Ila Arun, Shubha Mudgal, Neha Duphia and Kiran Bedi who congratulated these women of today for their achievements.

Sadhna Batnagar joined SOS Children's Villages of India to dedicate her life by becoming an SOS mother to the children who have lost their natural family. Today she is a proud mother of 17 children. Most of her children are doing excellently well in various fields such as education, vocational training and others. In 1990 she joined SOS Children's Villages of India, Faridabad. Ms Bhatnagar is constantly striving towards her goal of making her children grow to be decent and deserving members of society.

On the occasion, Shri J N Kaul, President - SOS Children's Villages of India said, "I thank BIG 92.7 FM, for recognizing the efforts of our mothers which they well deserved. Our Mothers are playing an important role in making the lives of our children in this worldwide family of SOS Children's Villages. Add to this the fact that women are the backbone of our society and on this Women's Day we do well to take this opportunity to commemorate women achiever's and difference makers."

The other awardees included Neelam Katara, nominated for her efforts to fight for justice; Jessica Lal's sister, Sabrina Lal; Neelam Krishnamoorthy who lost her children in Uphaar Cinema tragedy and is now fighting a case; as well as Sunita Sharma, first woman cricket coach and a Dronacharya awardee.

In view of the International Women's Day, SOS Mother Training School also organized a Cultural Program and various Activities in Faridabad to mark and present the spirit of a woman, in particular an SOS Mother.

The program saw speeches, cultural shows and a folk dance The program culminated with a National Anthem and exhibition cum sale of handicrafts prepared by Mother Trainees at subsidized prices. Mothers from SOS Children's Village Faridabad, Greenfields, Students from Jamia Milia College, Delhi and guests from Art of living and Co-workers enjoyed the program and made it a success. Apart from this a large number of mothers from local community also took part in the celebration.

On 22 September, 2006 the National Trust for the welfare of persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities (Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment, Govt. of India) honoured SOS-India as one of the best NGOs in the country for remarkable work made towards the care of developmentally challenged children through a special project at Khajuri Kalan, Bhopal. Shri J. N. Kaul, President of SOS-India along with a mother & co-worker from Special Children's Village Khajuri Kalan, Bhopal, received the award from Hon'ble Minister for Social Justice and Empowerment Ms. Meera Kumar at a ceremony held in New Delhi.

Recognizing the affirmative action in favour of persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities, every year National Trust honours individuals and organizations for their efforts.

Privileged and touched by the recognition, Shri J.N. Kaul, founder father & President of SOS Children's Villages of India said, the "Award is a symbol of recognition, but more so an expression of appreciation from the society at large. We are happy and honoured to receive this award. It encourages us to do better & better."

SOS Children's Village Khajuri Kalan is a project aimed towards providing long term care, rehabilitation, training and allied services for differently abled children. Spread across 70 acres, donated by Government of Madhya Pradesh, the Children's Village is currently home to 48 children. Considering the urgency of medical need for the children the village also has an inbuilt Medical Centre equipped with facilities like Hydrotherapy, Physiotherapy, Speech therapy and Early Intervention Centre. Apart from providing love, shelter and care to these children the project aims at making them productive individuals for the society by equipping them with necessary skills through meticulous designed vocational training programme at their training institution.

Limca Book of Records today honoured, Padamshree awardee, Shri. J. N. Kaul, President, SOS Children's Villages of India with prestigious 'People of the Year-2006' award for his noble endeavor to support children in need. The award was presented to him by Mr. Atul Singh, President and CEO of Coca-Cola India at FICCI Auditorium, New Delhi.

The award recognizes people who have the spirit to excel and follow their goal with single-minded passion. It lays emphasis on unique achievements of our countrymen and is a salute to all those people who want to do something different. Started in 1992, the award has been presented to stalwarts like Ameen Sayani, Chandrababu Naidu, Prannoy Roy, Bachendri Pal, Sheila Dixit, Dr Naresh Trehan, Lt.Col. Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore.

Privileged and touched by the recognition, Shri J.N. Kaul, President and Founder Father of SOS Children's Villages of India dedicated the award to all his children and co-workers. Speaking on the occasion Shri Kaul said, "Take a child's hand into yours - feel the divine touch. It transmits joy, purpose and peace - it inspires. You are blessed."

The award was a felicitation to Shri J.N. Kaul for his untiring efforts and constant perseverance to involve thousands of Indians to contribute towards cause of children in need. What began as single project in a small place called Greenfields in Haryana in the year 1964 has now evolved as a national movement. All this accredited to Shri Kaul's undying spirit of reaching to as many children as possible. Whenever children in India have suffered due to a manmade tragedy or natural disaster - Communal disturbances in Assam, Gas tragedy in Bhopal, Earthquakes in Kashmir, Gujrat, Latur and Uttarkashi, terrorism in Punjab and Jammu and Kashmir, killer cyclone in Orissa , Tsunami in the South - he has been there to try and bring succour to them. At all these places Mr. Kaul has not only provided emergency relief work but later established SOS Children's Villages, which provide model childcare services on a permanent basis. It is no wonder that Shri J N KAUL is fondly called "PAPAJI" a befitting tribute to his over five decades of Voluntary Services engaged in Childcare.

In his endeavour, he has succeeded in enlightening thousands of Indians to towards social responsibilities for children in India. A firm believer in partnership of State and people, he has never hesitated in demanding and standing up for the rights of Children in need. To fulfill both the physical and spiritual aspects of growth of every child, he has established Schools and Vocational Training Centres naming them in memory of his Friend and the Founder Father of SOS Movement in the world, Dr. Hermann Gmeiner.

About SOS Children's Villages of India:-

SOS Children's Villages of India is a non profit, non-government, voluntary organization, committed to the care of children in need. The aim & objective of the SOS Children's Villages of India is to help orphaned and homeless children by giving them a family, home and a strong foundation for an independent and secure life. Since its inception in 1964, SOS-India has expanded its services for children in need at a rapid pace. Today, there are 39 SOS Children's Villages including the new projects under establishment and 122 allied projects like Kindergartens, Schools, Social, Medical, Vocational Training Centres and Outreach Initiatives spread across the country reaching out to thousands of children. SOS-India is a member of SOS-Kinderdorf International, operational in 132 countries. www.soscvindia.org

One of the best child care organization in the world, doing commendable job in India is recognized by the Government of India for their endeavor to help the children in need

On receiving the year 2003-2004 National Award for Child Care, SOS Children's Villages of India got added one more feather to their crown. The Award was presented to Shri J. N. Kaul, Padmashree Awardee, Founder Father and President of SOS India by Shri Arjun Singh, Minister of Human Resource Development (Department of Women & Child Development), Government of India on the occasion of Children's Day on 14th November, 2005 at Constitution Club, V.P. House, Rafi Marg, New Delhi. The award was in recognition for SOS India's work with children in need in the country.

The National Award for Child Welfare was instituted by the Government of India in the year 1979 to encourage such deserving institutions and individuals for their outstanding performance in the field of child development and welfare. This scheme was started, with a view to give recognition to such voluntary action of NGO's and individual's. The award carries a cash prize of Rupees Three lakhs and a citation for each institution, and Rupees one lakh and a citation for each individual. The government of India has bestowed for this prestigious award for long dedicated services to the children in need by SOS India. SOS Children's Villages of India is working with a unique concept of an alternate family for the child who has fallen out of the nest of their natural family due to one or other reason. Because of this family concept, SOS India has been considered as model in the field of childcare. In the times of calamities either man made or natural, be it the Nellie Massacre in Assam, Gas tragedy in Bhopal, Cyclone in Urissa, Terrorism in Punjab or J & K, Earthquake in Lature, Gujarat and Srinagar or Tsunami in Southern part of India, SOS India has always been among the first ones in the country to reach out to the affected people especially the children and women.

Privileged and touched by the recognition, Shri J.N. Kaul, Founder father & President of SOS Children's Villages of India said, "Award is symbol of recognition, but more so an _expression of appreciation from the society at large. We are happy and honoured to receive this award. It encourages us to do better & better."

List Awards received by SOS Children's Villages of India:

GOLD MEDAL OF HONOUR awarded in 1983 - By Prof Dr Hermann Gmeiner, President SOS Kinderdorf International at SOS Academy, Innsbruck (Austria) for dedication to the cause of Needy Children in India.

APPRECIATION AWARD- 1983 by Indian Sponsorship Committee Bombay.

RAJA RAM MOHAN ROY TEACHERS' AWARD - 1984.

SOS RING for Dedication to the SOS Children's Villages organization through lifetime work as well as loyalty and attachment to the cause of needy children and women.

BAL SAHYOG AWARD - 1986 - for looking after Needy Children throughout the country

APPRECIATION AWARD - Symposium on Street Children - Hogares Providencia, IAP, MEXICO - 1986.

RAJIV GANDHI MANAV SEVA AWARD - For Service to Children - 1995. Presented on 14th November 1995 by Shri Madhavrao Scindia - Hon'ble Minister for Human Resource Development, Government of India at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

GIANI ZAIL SINGH SADBHAWNA AWARD - 1996. Presented on 4th May 1996 at Asoka Hotel, New Delhi

INDIRA GANDHI PRIYADARSHINI AWARD - 1995 For outstanding services, achievements and contributions in the field of Child Care. Presented by Shri Jagdish Tytler, Hon'ble Minister, Government of India on 7th March 1996 on the eve of International Women's Day

G.D. BIRLA AWARD for Outstanding Contribution to Humanism 1995.Presented by Shri K.R. NARAYANAN, Hon'ble Vice President of India, at Up - Rashtrapati Bhawan on 22nd August 1996

SHIROMANI AWARD - 1996 - For contribution to National Development, Integration, enrichment of life and outstanding achievements in the chosen field of activity. Presented by Shri P A Sagma, Honble Speaker of Lok Sabha on 22nd February 1997 at Teen Murti Bhawan, New Delhi

LOUIS MARCHESI FELLOW AWARD bestowed by Round Tabler of India, on 28 December 1997.

TWENTIETH CENTURY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD (Five Hundred Leaders of Influence) for Career Achievements and Social Contribution given by Biographical Institute, USA - 1998.

MAN OF THE YEAR- 1998 Award for Community Service Achievement, given by American Biographical Institute USA.

SECULAR INDIA HARMONY AWARD - 1998 - By United Children's Movement, presented by Shri ATAL BEHARI VAJPAYEE Hon'ble Prime Minister of India on 12th June 1999.

RAJEEV GANDHI NATIONAL SADHAWANA AWARD- 1998

DADABHAI NAOROJI NEW MILLENNIUM AWARD - 1999. For Excellence and Achievements, received on 30th June 1999 Presented by Shri H.D Deve Gowda, former Prime Minister of India.

OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL AWARD given CASP presented by H.E. Shri R. Venkataraman, former President of India on 2.11.99

RAJIV GANDHI NATIONAL SADBHAVANA AWARD - 1998, received on 20th August 1999. For outstanding contribution towards promoting goodwill and National Harmony

OUTSTANDING INDIVIDUAL AWARD given by CASP presented by H.E Shri R. Venkataraman, former President of India on 2-11-1999.

20th CENTURY AWARD FOR ACHIEVEMENT - 1999 in recognition of outstanding achievements in the field of Total Care and Rehabilitation of Homeless Children - given by International Biographical Centre, Cambridge (England)

PADMA SHRI AWARD - 26th January 2000 - Republic Day Award by President of Republic of India.

LIFE TIME AWARD FOR SOCIAL SERVICE given by Red & White Bravery Awards - presented by Smt Sheila Dikshit, Hon'ble Chief Minister if Delhi on 20th May 2000.

Awarded ORDER OF MERIT for MANAGEMENT and honoured as SAMAJ SHRI. Selected as MAN OF THE MILLENNIUM and awarded GOLD MEDAL 2000 in recognition of his outstanding achievements - By Indian Council of Management Executives.

SAMAJ RATNAKAR AWARD : By Sanathan Sansthan, Goa Branch Varanasi, on April 4, 2002 for Human Peace and Social Welfare.

SEWA NIDHI PRATEEK CHINHA : By Ganga Sewa Nidhi, Dashaswamedh, Varanasi for Social Service on 5th April, 2002

MANAV BHUSHAN AWARD : By Viklang Samakalan Sansthan at Karaundhi, Varanasi on April 6, 2002. for Dedication and Contribution in Life.

MANAV RATNAKAR AWARD : By All India Patrakar Kalyan Samiti, for National Social Contribution on April 6, 2002.

SANT SAMMAN AWARD : By Santmat Anuyayee Math Garwaghat, Varanasi on 7th April, 2002 for having Religious soul and mind.

SAHAJANAND SAMMAN AWARD : By Sahajanand Vichar Manch, Varanasi , April 7, 2002 for the work of upliftment of down tradens.

RASHTRA GAURAV AWARD - By Sant Ravi Das Shiksha Ewam Vikas Sansthan, Varanasi on April 8, 2002 for the contribution in the different walks of the society in India.

KARAMYOGI AWARD - By Kashi Adyatmik Sanskritik Sewa Samiti, Varanasi on April 8, 2002 for Special Contribution towards the mainstream of the society.

BHAGIRATH ALANKARAN AWARD : By Ganga Seva Nidhi for his contribution towards Education, Social Service and Human Development on Nov 19, 2002 at Varanasi.

SAT PAUL MITTAL AWARD - 2003: By Nehru Sidhant Kendra Trust, Ludhiana, on November,14,2003, at Ludhiana.

SWAMI RAM AWARD, DEHRADUN - By Swami Ram Himalayan Institute Trust, Doiwala, Dehradun, on November,13,2004.

VAYOSHRESTA AWARD by Meera Kumar, Minister for Social Justice and Empowernment, on October 1, 2005

Today was the special day for "Vinod" and his "SOS family" all over India. A Special Assembly to felicitate Master Vinod Kumar who has brought laurels to SOS India by winning 'Bal Shree Award' for the year 2004 was held at SOS Hermann Gmeiner School, Faridabad on April 22, 2005.

The prestigious 'Bal Shree Award' was presented to Master Vinod Kumar by HE Dr. APJ Abdul Kalam, President of India at Rashtrapati Bhawan on April 21, 2005.

Bal Shree Award is a unique scheme launched by National Bal Bhavan to honour creative children irrespective of their Socio Economic Status. The main objective of the scheme is to identify, nurture and promote creativity among children. There is a three tier system of selection procedure in the Bal Shree Scheme that is selection is done at Local level. This scheme is six month long process and it is executed by Internal resource persons in association with the eminent experts of various fields. At the moment the children are honoured in four fields like Creative Performing Arts, Creative Arts, Creative Writing and creative Scientific Innovations. Every year such children are identified and awarded with the prestigious honour by the President of India.

Master Vinod Kumar was brought home to Mother Ms. Premleela at SOS Children's Village, Bangalore when he was just three years old. He has been an active child from his early childhood days; he was very good in imitating people. He is average in studies and has always showed interest in playing & playing pranks. It is this characteristic which has developed into creative talent of acting & mimicry.

His special talent for acting and drama was noticed when he was studying in the 4th grade. He was given all encouragement and admission was sought for the 'Mountain View School', a residential school well known for its special emphasis on the development of co-curricular strengths among its students. Vinod's first major opportunity came with participation in a drama at the 'Bal Bhawan' Chikmagalur - Bangalore in July 2004 where he did well and was selected to perform at Karnataka Bal Bhavan, Bangalore in August 2004. He did well there too and was selected to perform at Hyderabad in November 2004. Here also he performed very well and won the prestigious Bal Shree Award.

At the moment Vinod Kumar is studying in class VIII at Mountain View school, Chikmagalur Bangalore. Vinod was also the proud winner of eight days (27th March to 3rd April 2005) trip to Mauritius on a cultural exchange programme organized by Bal Bhavan.

In his address Shri JN Kaul President SOS India said, "I wish, many more children from SOS Children's Villages and SOS Hermann Gmeiner Schools will be receiving such awards in the field of Creative Activities. We are proud of our children and mothers for their excellent performances - Vinod is the best example. My blessing and best wishes are with Dear Vinod Kumar and his mother Ms. Premlila for her care, concern and nurturing his talents. I wish him a bright future."

Ms. Madhu Tandon welcomed the guests. Cmde KL Arora Director Education SOS India read out the felicitation for Master Vinod Kumar. The assemble ended with National Anthem.