In September 2025, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) was honored with the Changemaker of the Year Award at the BusinessLine Changemaker Awards for its contributions to indigenous strategic technologies. Alongside, the Azim Premji Foundation received the Iconic Changemaker Award in recognition of its extensive work in education and healthcare. These awards spotlight the dual pillars of India’s development: cutting-edge technology leadership and sustained social impact.
What the Awards Recognize
DRDO: Changemaker of the Year
- The award was conferred on Raja Babu Ummalaneni, Director General of DRDO’s Missiles & Strategic Systems, for his role in advancing India’s indigenization of defense technology.
- Under his leadership, DRDO has pushed forward domestically developed systems, emphasizing self-reliance in critical areas.
- The recognition emphasizes that strategic research and development in defense is considered a key driver of national transformation.
Azim Premji Foundation: Iconic Changemaker
- The Foundation was honored for its pioneering work in the fields of education, healthcare, and social upliftment across India.
- Over decades, it has implemented large-scale programs in rural schooling, teacher training, public health, sanitation, and support for disadvantaged communities.
- The title “Iconic Changemaker” underscores the idea of sustained structural impact rather than one-off interventions.
Significance & Implications
- The award to DRDO reinforces that defense innovation and strategic autonomy are being recognized as drivers of national prestige and security.
- It also sends a signal about the government’s emphasis on Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India) in high-tech domains.
- Recognizing the Azim Premji Foundation reflects how social sector institutions are still central to India’s development narrative.
- These awards can boost visibility, attract partnerships, and strengthen resource mobilization for winning institutions.
Static Facts Related
- The BusinessLine Changemaker Awards are now in their seventh edition, highlighting innovators across sectors including social welfare, education, health, and technology.
- DRDO (Defence Research and Development Organisation) was established in 1958, and is the premier R&D wing for defence in India.
- Azim Premji Foundation was founded in 2001 by industrialist Azim Premji, focusing on school reform, teacher capacity building, and public health initiatives.
- The awards ceremony featured cultural performances (e.g. fluteboxing) and was graced by Union Minister for Petroleum & Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, as the chief guest.