The National Foundation for India (NFI) works to empower marginalised communities and strengthen civil society in pursuit of equity, fairness and inclusive development. Founded in 1992 by Bharat Ratna Shri C. Subramaniam along with Dr. M. S. Swaminathan and Dr. Kamla Chowdhry the eminent leaders of their sector. NFI has been a platform for diverse social actors advancing women’s empowerment, climate action, gender rights, peacebuilding and democratic values.

In recognition of Shri C. Subramaniam’s legacy, NFI introduced the C. Subramaniam Awards in 2003 to honour mid-career leaders and non-profit sector workers who have dedicated over a decade to grassroots change. The Awards celebrate those building local leadership, nurturing future changemakers and promoting constitutional values across India.

Award Details

• Award Amount: ₹1,00,000, certificate and a memento

Why Apply?

Awardees will not only be recognised at a ceremony but will also:

• Join a network of changemakers across India
• Receive opportunities for leadership development, mentorship and capacity building
• Contribute to strengthening India’s civil society and constitutional values through their work and learning

NFI strongly encourages applications from women, Dalit, Adivasi, Minority, NT-DNT, persons with disabilities and LGBTQIA+ leaders who have been at the forefront of grassroots change.


Who can Apply

•  Individuals who have built local leadership and solidarity within communities.
•  Grassroots workers in civil society organisations driving social change.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must:

• Mid-career individuals, working within a grassroots organisation or community-based group, with a minimum of 10 years grassroots experience.
• No prior award or formal recognition received for their work.
• Working with marginalised and excluded communities (Dalit, Adivasi, Tribal, NT-DNT, minority, women, LGBTQIA+, persons with disabilities, etc.).
• Demonstrate leadership in promoting constitutional values of equity, inclusion, social justice, gender and climate justice.
• Nominated by an organisation, community group or social movement (based anywhere in India).

The Awards particularly welcome and celebrate individuals whose leadership has emerged through grassroots experience and lived practice, recognising that impactful leadership often develops outside formal educational credentials.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are requested to complete the C. Subramaniam Award Application Form and submit it along with the required documents by the 15th of October 2026. Please ensure your responses are concise, grounded in your grassroots experience, and supported by evidence wherever possible.

1. Completed Application Form (available online, link below).
2. Brief Write-up about yourself and your journey (max 1 page): Your grassroots journey, thematic focus, and achievements.
3. Two References: Contact details of people who can vouch for your work.
4. Resume & Photo: Upload in required formats.

Apply here – Online application for C. Subramaniam Awards 2026


Selection process:

1. Screening: Applications checked for eligibility (category, experience, nomination, completeness).
2. Shortlisting: Eligible applicants reviewed for impact, leadership, and work with marginalised communities.
3. Jury Evaluation: External jury assesses shortlisted candidates on grassroots impact, constitutional values, innovation and future plans.
4. Final Selection: Awardees chosen and honoured at a ceremony with ₹1,00,000, certificate and a memento.
5. Post-Award: Winners join NFI’s changemakers’ network and receive mentorship and capacity-building support.

Note - Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for Jury Evaluation


The last date for receipt of application is 15th October 2026
Please note incomplete applications will not be considered.

For any query or clarification, please write to us at: nfiawards@nfi.org.in