Over 20 social media influencers have been awarded with the Bharatiya Excellence Awards for their significant contributions in various sectors like education, health, entertainment etc. The Bharatiya Excellence Award is an initiative by the Balaji Foundation and APN News to honour the contribution of influencers in this digital age.
APN News Editor-in-Chief, Rajshri Rai welcomed the gathering and said that APN News and Balaji Foundation are honouring social media influencers for spreading awareness, positivity and knowledge in the society. She added that most of the people who are going to be honoured are youth, who have done new things on social media and have established their influence.
Minister of State, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, SP Singh Baghel and former Chief Justice of India, KG Balakrishnan were the chief guest for the ceremony, held at the Indian Society of International Law in New Delhi on Wednesday.
Bestowing awards to the influencers, MoS SP Singh Baghel said that awards motivate people to do more and better. He added that those who get awards are people who work a little more than others. He further recalled that his first prize strengthened him and chased away his stage fright.
The minister added that whatever social welfare work the influencers are doing, it will bring them onto the path of national politics. He added that the trails of social service can bring them Padma Awards. He further mentioned that the Narendra Modi led government has changed the definition of Padma Awards, as it is not limited to people who can speak English or carry lavish things.
Speaking at the event, former Chief Justice of India, KG Balakrishnan said that the government should form a national commission to allay the concerns of senior citizens and it should have the powers necessary to take actions in the interest of senior citizens. He stated that government intervention is required to provide them with economic and medical help by constituting a commission exclusively for them.
Addressing at the event, Senior Advocate Pradeep Rai said that social media influencers are being honoured and by honouring them they are also honoured. The evening concluded with a concert by Sabri Brothers of the Sufi Qawwali band.