Application window opens for the 8th Annual ‘Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards’
Gurgaon: The 2018 ‘Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards’ (SOCA) programme organized by DHFL Pramerica Life Insurance (DPLI) in India now invites individual and group applications from students in Classes VI-XII, who have made meaningful contributions to their communities through consistent volunteer community service. The application forms for SOCA can be filled online or downloaded from www.spiritofcommunityindia.com. The last date for submission of completed and certified applications is December 31, 2017.
Announcing the launch of the 2018 ‘Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards’ programme, Mr. Anoop Pabby, Managing Director & CEO, DHFL Pramerica Life Insurance Ltd., said “We are delighted to have Saina Nehwal on board as the Programme Ambassador for the 2018 ‘Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards’. This programme recognizes students who have demonstrated commitment and spirit to make a difference and Saina strongly personifies these qualities. Her grit and determination to rise up to challenges and her passion to make India proud makes her an excellent role model for the younger generation.”
“Saina was the SOCA Programme Ambassador last year as well and we are confident that her involvement will once again inspire more students to become change agents for a better tomorrow”, Mr. Pabby added.
Saina’s appointment will be supplemented with a digital and radio campaign to encourage school children to start volunteering to make a positive change in their communities. In addition, she will also help drive participation from students who are already involved in community service.
Talking about her role as the 2018 SOCA Programme Ambassador, Ms. Saina Nehwal said, “It’s a great honour to be associated with the Pramerica Spirit of Community Awards once again. Last year, I had the privilege of meeting many young student volunteers from varied backgrounds who despite their busy school schedule, had dedicated their time and energy to make a difference in their communities. I strongly believe that community service should be an integral part of education and every child should make an effort to help the less fortunate and stand up for causes that impact society at large. I hope that through my association with SOCA, I can help play a role in making this possible.”
The top two individual category winners will receive medallions, cash prizes and a return trip to Washington, D.C. in May 2018. Members of the Best Group entry will receive medallions and a cash prize to be shared amongst them. Over the last seven years, more than 27,000 students across 1500+ schools have participated in SOCA by sending in their applications and above 600 students have been recognized for their community service efforts.
In 2017, Mihir Manoj Menda, a class XII student of Mallya Aditi International School, Bengaluru and Gursimran Singh, a class XI student of Amity International School, Sector 46, Gurugram were recognized as the winners in the Individual Category. Both students were presented with Gold
Medallions, Certificates of Excellence, a cash reward of Rs. 50,000 each, and a return trip to Washington, D.C. in May 2017.