The ‘Champion of Champions’ of the Industry 2020 were felicitated by philanthropist and billionaire businessman Prashant Karulkar in last year’s ABCI Awards. Who are in the fray this year?

ABCl the second oldest media organisation in India recognizes companies with noteworthy contribution towards society. Its awards are an attempt to recognise excellence in print, radio, electronic and digital media.
Last year ABCI awarded companies like Glenmark, Indian Oil, L&T, NABARD, RBI, Union Bank and Western Bank as ‘Champion of Champions’ of the Industry 2020 at the Indian Merchant Chambers in Mumbai based on the tireless efforts put forth by them towards the society even during the covid pandemic.
This year as the countdown begins for the nomination rounds it remains to be seen which companies get to be nominated for this prestigious award. Out of 2000 nominated so far only 40 have been bestowed with this prestigious award.
Philanthropist and billionaire businessman Prashant Karulkar who was the “Chief Guest” at the 59th ABCI awards ceremony felicitated the seven organisations as ‘Champion of Champions’ in Indian industry. Influential personalities such as Mr. Naval Tata, Mr. Nani Palkhiwlala, Mr. Manohar Parrikar, Mr. S M Krushna, Mrs. Rajashree Birla, Mr. S C Jamir, Mr. K Sankaranarayanan, Mr. S Ramadorrai, had been Chief Guest in earlier years.
In his vote of thanks message directed to the awardees, Karulkar said “they’ve shown how we can adapt, evolve and perform to our best in any circumstances. I salute their resolve in this stead.”
Prashant Karulkar heads the Arkfin Group, a HFC and an Alternate Investment Fund. Karulkar’s successes across diverse fields led to his choice as the chief guest for the 59th Annual Awards. A self-made businessman, he has forged distinct holdings in real estate, investment funds, micro-insurance, sand manufacturing, concrete wall manufacturing, FMCG and pharma. His philanthropic efforts include the Bima Paathshala and the Shiksha Suraksha Foundation.
As a philanthropist, Karulkar has also supported the education and social needs for women and the tribal folks through his 51 years old Family Trust the Karulkar Pratishthan. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the group has supported more than a thousand people in the tribal regions of Maharashtra and Gujarat by supplying them with food grains worth Rs. 2 lakh every day.