Social impact and healthcare pioneer, Dr. Payal Kanodia, receives 'Custodian of Humanity Award 2025', recognizing her exceptional achievements.
Dr. Payal Kanodia Honored with 'Custodian of Humanity Award 2025'
In a distinguished ceremony organized by Medgate Today and GMAAF (Global Medical and Allied Awards Forum) at the Constitution Club of India, New Delhi, Dr. Payal Kanodia, Chairperson & Trustee of M3M Foundation, received the Custodian of Humanity Award. This accolade recognizes her as the Social Activist & Healthcare Personality of the Year (Women).
Accepting the honor, Dr. Kanodia expressed deep gratitude, stating, "This recognition belongs to every woman, every child, and every underserved individual whose resilience fuels our mission at M3M Foundation. For me, healthcare is not a privilege—it is a fundamental right." She emphasized her commitment to fostering access, dignity, and empowerment for all, as the foundation continues its work toward a more inclusive and self-reliant India.
Recipients of the Custodian of Humanity & HPIE Awards 2025 were handpicked by an esteemed jury panel, comprising influential figures from the healthcare and medical technology landscape. Notable jurors included Afzal Kamal, Managing Director and Editor-in-Chief of Medgate Today, Rajiv Nath, Managing Director of HMD and Forum Coordinator of AIMED, and Brig. Dr. Anil Kohli, Padma Shri awardee and former President of the Dental Council of India, among others.
Dr. Kanodia's award acknowledges her pioneering leadership in the areas of inclusive development, rural health equity, and women-centric social reform. Under her direction, M3M Foundation, the CSR arm of the M3M Group, has expanded its footprint across education, healthcare access, skill development, climate action, and women and child welfare, affecting over 4.8 million lives in 22 states and 3 union territories. The Foundation's healthcare initiatives range from mobile clinics and preventive care camps to its flagship POSHAN initiative, which has provided over 21 million nutritious meals to migrant families and laborers.
M3M Foundation's campaigns aim to raise awareness on menstrual health, maternal care, mental well-being, and chronic illness prevention, using a community-based, data-driven approach. As one of India's leading philanthropists, Dr. Kanodia seamlessly blends vision with execution, embodying the spirit of the new generation of change makers.
The event concluded with a pledge from all recipients to continue their service toward building a healthier, more inclusive India.
Dr. Kanodia's commitment extends beyond healthcare, as she also focuses on education, having overseen M3M Foundation's expansion into schooling reasons, impacting numerous lives.
In the realm of technology and science, M3M Foundation has implemented data-driven approaches to address issues like mental health, women's health, and chronic disease prevention.
Her work on women's health initiatives, such as menstrual health and maternal care, has been a significant part of her endeavors, aligning with the broader focus on health-and-wellness.
Dr. Kanodia's innovative leadership has earned her various accolades, including the prestigious Custodian of Humanity Award, while her dedication to improving lives continues to earn her recognition within the realm of awards.
