The development sector is full of unsung heroes – organizations and individuals working tirelessly to bring about positive change in communities, often in the face of adversity. But how often do we hear about their struggles and triumphs? Enter the Junoon Awards, a unique initiative launched by the non-profit organization Goonj in November 2022. These awards aim to shine a spotlight on the passion, courage, and resilience of social sector organizations that are making a difference, especially in the most challenging circumstances.

Founded by Anshu Gupta, a visionary social entrepreneur who has long championed the cause of grassroots empowerment, Goonj’s Junoon Awards stand as a testament to his belief in the power of communities and innovative approaches to development. Anshu Gupta’s leadership has been pivotal in shaping the Junoon Awards into a platform that celebrates the unsung efforts of those transforming society from the ground up.

Named after the Hindi word for “passion,” the Junoon Awards aim to acknowledge the bold, transformative efforts that are often overlooked by traditional recognition systems. By celebrating the innovators and changemakers of the development sector, these awards also strive to inspire others, encourage collaboration, and bring new ideas into the limelight.

The Role of the Development Sector in India’s Growth and Wellbeing

The development sector plays a pivotal role in India’s progress by addressing essential gaps. From improving education and healthcare to fostering environmental sustainability and disaster resilience, non-profits work tirelessly at the grassroots level to tackle some of the country’s most pressing challenges. However, the contributions of this sector often go unrecognized or undervalued in public discourse. Highlighting the non-profit sector is crucial not just to celebrate their impact but also to inspire collaboration, innovation, and funding. It brings visibility to the tireless efforts of these organizations and fosters a culture of accountability, transparency, and shared learning, which are essential for scaling their impact.

At its core, the Junoon Awards are about peer-to-peer recognition. The awards honor those who demonstrate exceptional courage and unwavering dedication in addressing pressing societal challenges. By focusing on grassroots empowerment and sustainable solutions, the Junoon Awards aim to reshape the narrative around development work, celebrating not just the end results but the courage, passion, and resilience that go into creating lasting change. This vision of highlighting grassroots work and inspiring others comes from the leadership of Anshu Gupta and Goonj, an organization that thrives on the belief that innovation and resilience must be celebrated.

Junoon Awards 2023: Honoring Resilience Amid Crisis

The inaugural Junoon Awards in 2023 focused on a theme that was close to the hearts of many: Resilience in the Face of the Pandemic. As the world grappled with the severe impacts of COVID-19, many organizations and individuals showed extraordinary determination and ingenuity to continue their work. The first edition of the awards recognized these unsung heroes – those who worked tirelessly under extreme conditions to support marginalized communities.

The 2023 winners included organizations like:

• Bhumi, an organization focused on education for underprivileged children.
• Deepalaya, known for empowering underserved communities with education and healthcare.
• Doctors For You, providing healthcare services to vulnerable populations.
• Indian Institute of Education & Care (IIEC), working on educational initiatives for rural children.
• Maya CARE Foundation, focused on women’s empowerment and health.
• Uninhibited (Sukhibhava Foundation), which advocates for mental health awareness.
• Vidyadhan, providing scholarships for higher education.

Anshu Gupta’s Goonj, under his visionary leadership, continues to empower organizations and individuals who are working relentlessly to create lasting social change, particularly during challenging times like the pandemic.

Junoon Awards 2024: Celebrating Innovation in Development

Building on the success of the first edition, the Junoon Awards 2024 brought a new theme to the forefront: Empowering through Innovations. This year, the focus was on recognizing organizations that have pushed the boundaries of conventional development models with their creative, groundbreaking ideas. It was a celebration of those who dared to challenge existing narratives and redefine the norms in the development sector.

Some of the standout winners from 2024 included:

• Cohesion Foundation Trust, which promotes social inclusion through innovative educational programs.
• Karghewale (Karuka Foundation), which is revolutionizing rural livelihoods through sustainable farming techniques.
• Manzil Mystic, an organization working with youth to build life skills and career opportunities.
• Rekhta Foundation, promoting Urdu language and culture through digital platforms.
• Rozgar Dhaba (Development Innovation Foundation), creating employment opportunities in underserved areas.
• Tinka Samjik Sanstha, focused on rural empowerment and healthcare.

The 2024 Junoon Awards also highlighted the kind of innovation that Anshu Gupta and Goonj have been encouraging for years, fostering social transformation through unconventional and impactful ideas.

Grassroots Organizations and Their Role in the Development Sector

Grassroots organizations are deeply embedded within the communities they serve. This proximity allows them to address immediate, localized issues effectively. However, this focused approach often leads them to prioritize community-level interventions over reflecting on their broader role in the development sector. Recognizing their potential as agents of systemic change and integrating their learnings and insights into the larger development discourse can amplify their impact beyond localized solutions.

Junoon Awards 2025: Focus on Climate Action and Sustainability

Looking ahead, the Junoon Awards 2025 will center around an urgent and timely theme: Redefining Resilience: Climate Action for Lasting Change. As the world faces an escalating climate crisis, this edition will spotlight organizations that are leading the way with innovative, impactful climate initiatives. The focus will be on initiatives that tackle climate change head-on, while fostering sustainable practices and encouraging community participation.

Key categories for the 2025 edition include:

• Circularity for a Greener Tomorrow: Models that emphasize waste reduction, recycling, and creating sustainable systems.
• Responding to Climate Emergencies: Initiatives that deliver rapid responses to climate-induced disasters and focus on long-term recovery.
• Civic Participation in Climate Action: Efforts to mobilize citizens and communities for climate adaptation and mitigation.
• Innovative Climate Solutions: Groundbreaking ideas that address climate challenges, empower communities, and ensure long-term change.

Anshu Gupta’s Goonj is, once again, at the forefront of supporting climate action initiatives, continuing to drive a vision that emphasizes sustainability, collaboration, and community-led solutions.

The Unique Nature of the Junoon Awards: Peer-to-Peer Recognition and Promoting a Collaborative Mindset

The Junoon Awards stand apart in the development sector by focusing on peer-to-peer recognition, a rare but powerful concept. Unlike traditional awards that are often top-down in approach, the Junoon Awards invite organizations to acknowledge and celebrate the courage, passion, and resilience of their peers. This fosters mutual respect and breaks the competitive silos that sometimes exist within the sector. Peer recognition promotes a culture of collaboration, learning, and shared vision, which aligns with Goonj’s ethos of collective action. It reinforces the idea that systemic issues cannot be tackled in isolation and that partnerships and knowledge-sharing are vital for lasting change. Through the Junoon Awards, Goonj advocates for a shift in mindset—from individual achievement to collective progress—encouraging organizations to see themselves not just as problem-solvers for their communities but as key contributors to a larger ecosystem of change.

Why the Junoon Awards Matter

The Junoon Awards are more than just a recognition ceremony. They serve as a catalyst for collaboration, inspiring organizations to think outside the box and explore new, sustainable ways to address societal challenges. By showcasing the stories of resilience and innovation, the Junoon Awards also help bring critical attention to the issues that matter most in today’s world.

In a time when climate change, inequality, and other global challenges demand urgent action, the Junoon Awards stand as a testament to the power of collective action, innovation, and unwavering passion. These awards not only honor the organizations that have made significant contributions to their communities but also help create a space where new ideas can flourish, and meaningful change can take root. Anshu Gupta’s leadership at Goonj continues to inspire change on the ground, empowering organizations to take bold steps toward a more sustainable and equitable future.