We are proud to announce the TALHeroTM Awardees of 2025!
We believe every nominee is a hero. After thoughtful review by our jury, here are the selected heroes of 2025 — individuals creating a better, more compassionate world.
Anusha Bharadwaj
Building a Girls-for-Girls Movement to Transform India
Anusha Bharadwaj is a changemaker, social entrepreneur, and Ashoka Fellow whose work has empowered more than 240,000 adolescent girls across India. As Executive Director of VOICE 4 Girls and Founder of SoCh for Social Change, she pioneered a groundbreaking “girls-for-girls” leadership model that equips marginalised girls to become peer mentors, community leaders, and advocates for their rights.
Guided by her belief that “I believe in the power of girls to transform communities and nations,” Anusha has created safe, empowering spaces where girls gain confidence, resist early marriage, stay in school, and pursue higher education and careers. Her Sakhis, meaning champion friends, go on to mentor other girls, creating a cascading movement of solidarity and transformation.
By partnering with college students, teachers, and government residential schools, she has scaled her model across seven states, reshaping the ecosystems that support girls’ leadership. Her innovative approach has positioned her as a national voice for gender equity and youth empowerment.
In honouring Anusha Bharadwaj with the TALHero Award 2025 in the Change Makers category, we celebrate her vision of turning every girl into an agent of change and shaping a more equitable India.
Impact Highlights:
- Empowered 240,000+ girls across India
- Developed a peer-mentoring leadership model with cascading impact
- Increased school retention and higher education access for marginalised girls
- Scaled across seven states through partnerships with schools and youth mentors
Alokparna Sengupta
Leading India’s Compassionate Revolution for Animals
Alokparna Sengupta is a visionary changemaker and Managing Director of Humane World for Animals India, whose leadership has transformed animal welfare policy and practice nationwide. Her tireless advocacy has been pivotal in landmark victories, including India’s ban on animal testing for cosmetics and reforms to strengthen animal protection laws.
Leaving behind a corporate career at just 24, Alokparna began volunteering with Blue Cross of Hyderabad. With her biotechnology background, she quickly moved from grassroots rescue work to shaping national policy. She played a key role not only in banning animal testing but also in stopping imports of animal-tested products by working with the Bureau of Indian Standards and CDSCO.
Her influence extends across critical reforms: securing funding for cruelty-free research, fighting shark finning, strengthening livestock market regulations, reducing wildlife trade, and ending mass animal sacrifices at the Gadhimai festival. Today, she leads initiatives such as nationwide street dog welfare programs, campaigns to reduce human–elephant conflict, and efforts to protect animals in the food and fashion industries.
Driven by her belief that “Every life matters, and India can lead the world in protecting all creatures great and small,” Alokparna connects animal welfare with human rights, environmental sustainability, and public health, building a holistic vision for compassionate change.
In honouring Alokparna Sengupta with the TALHero Award 2025 in the Change Makers category, we celebrate her leadership in building a kinder, more humane India.
Impact Highlights:
- Key architect of India’s ban on animal testing for cosmetics and import restrictions
- Advanced reforms in wildlife protection, shark finning, livestock markets, and animal sacrifice
- Led nationwide disaster relief and street dog welfare programs
- Bridged animal welfare with human rights, environment, and public health
Ram Pappu
Bridging Innovation and Grassroots to Empower Rural India
Ram Pappu is a visionary changemaker who transitioned from a 25-year global IT career to leading Mission Samriddhi, a social impact platform dedicated to sustainable rural development across seven Indian states. As Managing Director, he drives programs that integrate education, health, livelihoods, and governance to create lasting community transformation.
Guided by the belief that “lasting change happens when innovation meets grassroots empowerment,” Ram blends technology expertise with local insight to design scalable and practical interventions. Mission Samriddhi’s Community Development Framework (CDF) is being implemented in Gram Panchayat clusters across Maharashtra, Assam, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu — reshaping how rural development is practised.
Ram’s personal journey into social impact began with volunteer work in motivational workshops for rural adolescents. He has facilitated over 250 sessions in Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya schools across 18 states, interacting with more than 60,000 children. His deep engagement with youth laid the foundation for mobilising 60,000+ students nationwide into community service initiatives through Mission Samriddhi.
By combining corporate acumen with grassroots passion, Ram has created a platform that celebrates good work, connects organisations and individuals for collaboration, and catalyses systemic change in rural India.
In honouring Ram Pappu with the TALHero Award 2025 in the Change Makers category, we celebrate his dedication to empowering rural communities and inspiring the next generation of leaders.
Impact Highlights:
- Mobilised 60,000+ students in community service initiatives
- Implemented a holistic framework across education, health, livelihoods, and governance
- Advanced sustainable agriculture and improved health outcomes
- Built scalable partnerships for long-term rural development
Kevin Tung
Empowering Voices Through Media and Inclusion
Kevin Tung is a pioneering changemaker who leads Media Makers, a groundbreaking program under Outside the Lens that empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDDs) to share their stories through media arts. His work blends technical training with social-emotional learning, enabling participants to gain confidence, express themselves, and connect with their communities.
At the heart of Kevin’s philosophy is the belief: “Everyone deserves a platform to be heard, and every story has the power to change perceptions.” Through Media Makers, participants learn filmmaking, editing, and storytelling while developing agency and self-worth. Families, educators, and communities witness how creativity and inclusion can redefine disability from a lens of limitation to one of capability.
Under Kevin’s leadership, Media Makers has become a replicable model of inclusive education, inspiring communities to embrace diversity and challenge long-held stereotypes. Participants not only create films but also foster conversations that expand empathy and understanding.
Aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, Kevin’s work advances SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities), and SDG 16 (Peace, Justice & Strong Institutions), demonstrating how creativity and technology can drive equity and systemic change.
In honouring Kevin Tung with the TALHero Award 2025 in the Change Makers category, we celebrate his vision of building a world where creativity, technology, and inclusion empower every individual to shine.
Impact Highlights:
- Empowered adults with IDDs to share their stories through media arts
- Created safe, inclusive spaces for skill-building, self-expression, and confidence Pioneered a replicable model for inclusive education and empowerment
- Inspired communities to see disability through creativity and inclusion
Tony Teravainen
Transforming Veteran Families’ Lives Through Scalable Support
Tony Teravainen is a visionary changemaker and co-founder of STEP (Support The Enlisted Project), a pioneering organisation dedicated to ending food insecurity, homelessness, mental health crises, and financial instability among military and veteran families. His leadership has empowered thousands of families to regain stability, build resilience, and create lasting generational change.
Guided by his belief that “supporting those who have served means addressing every dimension of their well-being,” Tony has built STEP into a model of holistic, measurable impact. With a 90% long-term success rate, the organisation provides veterans with financial counselling, housing support, and comprehensive wraparound services that address interconnected challenges.
Tony’s journey is rooted in both service and expertise. Holding degrees in Business Management and Nuclear Engineering, along with a Master’s in Executive Leadership from the University of San Diego, he brings a systems-thinking approach to social innovation. Certified in Six Sigma, Project and Change Management and even holding a U.S. patent Tony has designed STEP to scale nationally.
Since 2014, STEP has assisted over 800 military families with emergency grants, preventing crises while fostering self-reliance. In San Diego County, where 55,000 service members live on low incomes and 32,000 rely on food assistance, the impact is transformative. Beyond his professional work, Tony is a husband and father, embodying the family values he strives to protect.
In honouring Tony Teravainen with the TALHero Award 2025 in the Change Makers category, we celebrate his unwavering commitment to restoring dignity, hope, and opportunity for military families.
Impact Highlights:
- Achieved 90% long-term success rate for families served
- Stabilised thousands of veteran families through financial counselling and housing support
- Provided comprehensive wraparound services addressing food insecurity, mental health, and instability
- Developed a scalable national model for systemic change
Mike Gellman
Connecting People, Creating Change
Mike Gellman is a passionate changemaker, mentor, and nonprofit leader whose lifelong commitment to service has strengthened communities across San Diego. As Chair of the North County Philanthropy Council Mentorship Program, Mike guides emerging leaders and nonprofit professionals, equipping them with skills, vision, and confidence to create lasting change.
His mentorship extends to universities, where he supports students at San Diego State University and UC Irvine, fostering the next generation of changemakers. Mike also brings people together through Nonprofit NetWalks, convening over 50 community walks in three years that unite nonprofit leaders, funders, and supporters.
Beyond mentorship, Mike volunteers with organisations as diverse as Coastal Roots Farm, which connects communities through sustainable agriculture, and hospice programs that bring compassion and dignity at life’s end. His philosophy, “true leadership grows when we invest deeply in others,” shines through his work.
Professionally, Mike has over 15 years of Fortune 500 and nonprofit HR experience and is an ACC-certified coach with the International Coach Federation. He has guided 100+ clients through leadership development, authored Pipe Dreams: 7 Pipelines of Career Success, and holds a Master’s in Industrial/Organisational Psychology. His blend of professional expertise and heartfelt service makes him a unique catalyst for collaboration and innovation.
In honouring Mike Gellman with the TALHero Award 2025 in the Change Makers category, we celebrate his extraordinary commitment to building stronger, more inclusive communities.
Impact Highlights:
- Mentored emerging nonprofit leaders and university students
- Convened 50+ Nonprofit NetWalks, fostering collaboration and community
- Volunteered in sustainable farming and hospice programs
- Guided 100+ professionals in executive and career development
Arden Pala
A Changemaker Beyond His Years
At just 14 years old, Arden Pala has already emerged as a powerful voice for compassion, education, and social impact. A youth leader, author, filmmaker, and philanthropist, Arden channels his creativity and energy into empowering young people to embrace empathy, civic engagement, and positive change.
He is the founder of Sports4Kids, a nonprofit enriching the lives of low-income and homeless youth in San Diego through free sports clinics, volunteer-led coaching, and mentorship programs. Since its inception, Sports4Kids has raised more than $140,000, engaged 6,500 volunteer hours, and positively impacted over 7,500 individuals. More than 450 homeless children have been introduced to team sports, helping them build confidence, teamwork, and resilience.
What began in seventh grade — after learning that a local school had cut its PE program due to budget constraints — has grown into a citywide movement supported by shelters, foundations, and community sponsors. Arden’s creativity also extends to filmmaking: his documentary A Second Chance highlighted the realities of homelessness and won recognition at the American Youth Film Festival.
Arden’s leadership has earned national honours, including the 2022 Presidential Gold Volunteer Award, the 2023 Civic Achievement Award, and recognition as Sports Illustrated’s SportsKid of the Year (2024). The City of San Diego even declared February 23 as “Arden Pala Day.” Beyond Sports4Kids, Arden donates proceeds from his children’s book series to causes blending storytelling with social good.
Arden demonstrates how youth-led vision, compassion, and action can transform communities.
In honouring Arden Pala with the TALHero Award 2025 in the Change Makers category, we celebrate his extraordinary journey as proof that leadership is defined not by age but by courage and impact.
Impact Highlights:
- Empowered 450+ homeless youth through sports
- Raised $140K+ and logged 6,500 volunteer hours
- Positively impacted 7,500+ individuals in San Diego
- Award-winning filmmaker of A Second Chance, highlighting homelessness
- Recognised with national awards and honoured with Arden Pala Day
Kalamandir Foundation
Lighting Candles of Change Across South India
For more than a decade, the Kalamandir Foundation has been at the forefront of building healthier, safer, and more empowered communities across Telangana and South India. Established under the vision of Kalyan Annam and the Sai Silks Kalamandir Group, the foundation has consistently shown how simple yet powerful campaigns can ignite extraordinary social change.
One of its defining contributions has been the Super Star Anti-Drug Campaign, which mobilised schools, colleges, civic leaders, celebrities, and youth to fight substance abuse. This statewide movement brought unprecedented awareness to the dangers of drugs and was formally recognised in 2025 by the Telangana Anti-Narcotics Bureau (EAGLE).
But its work goes far beyond anti-drug advocacy. Kalamandir Foundation addresses education, health, women’s empowerment, environment, and artisan support, touching thousands of lives annually. From sponsoring free education and scholarships for underserved children to eco-friendly campaigns that protect natural resources, the foundation consistently integrates service into community life.
This tradition of service began even before its official founding. In 2009, during the devastating floods in Kurnool, the group provided food, clothing, and essential items to families in need. Guided by the principle, “Better to light a candle than curse the darkness,” Kalamandir Foundation embodies integrity, corporate responsibility, and a spirit of action over despair.
In honouring Kalamandir Foundation with the TALHero Award 2025 in the Nonprofit category, we celebrate its unwavering commitment to driving social transformation across South India.
Impact Highlights:
- Statewide Super Star Anti-Drug Campaign recognised by Telangana’s Anti-Narcotics Bureau
- Programs in health, education, women’s empowerment, environment, and artisan support
- Reached thousands of families annually with life-changing services
Katha
Reimagining Education for India’s Children
For 35 years, Katha has been rewriting the story of education in India by placing imagination, creativity, and inclusion at the heart of learning. Founded in 1988 with a small children’s magazine for underserved communities, Katha has since grown into a nationally recognised nonprofit that blends literature, technology, and real-world experiences to make education joyful and transformative.
Its innovative pedagogy uses storytelling as a tool for empowerment. Flagship initiatives such as KITES (Katha Inclusive Tech-Enabled Storytelling), the Katha Lab School, the Katha School of Entrepreneurship (KSE), and the ambitious 300M Citizens’ Challenge have reached millions, sparking creativity and confidence in classrooms.
The scale of Katha’s impact is remarkable: more than 11 million children reached across 22 states and over 2 million teachers trained with child-centred teaching tools. Campaigns such as I Love Reading (ILR) alone transformed 80,000+ children in one year by improving attendance, reading, and retention in underserved communities.
Katha also nurtures pride in cultural identity through its publishing arm, which has produced 400+ titles in 21 Indian and 12 foreign languages. Its books and teaching models are globally recognised, with Katha nominated five times for the Astrid Lindgren Memorial Award and winning honours such as the Millennium Alliance Award and India NGO Award.
In honouring Katha with the TALHero Award 2025 in the Nonprofit category, we celebrate its three decades of innovation and its vision of an inclusive, story-driven education system.
Impact Highlights:
- Reached 11M+ children across 22 states
- Trained 2M+ teachers with child-centred pedagogies
- Pioneered story-based, tech-enabled learning models like KITES and KSE
- Published 400+ culturally rich titles in 30+ languages
- Recognised globally with multiple national and international awards
Ashoka India
Building an Ecosystem of Changemakers
For more than four decades globally — and with deep roots in India — Ashoka has been at the forefront of nurturing changemakers and social entrepreneurs. Its mission is simple yet bold: to create a world where everyone is a changemaker.
At the heart of Ashoka’s work is its renowned Fellowship program, which identifies and supports visionary social entrepreneurs who are not only solving urgent problems but also reshaping entire systems. In India, Fellows such as Kailash Satyarthi and Anshu Gupta have transformed movements in child rights, poverty alleviation, and livelihoods. Today, more than 500 Fellows are working across education, health, governance, and empowerment.
Ashoka’s impact extends to youth as well, through the Ashoka Young Changemakers program, which helps students develop empathy, leadership, and problem-solving skills. By investing in young voices early, Ashoka is shaping a generation of confident and socially conscious leaders.
Beyond individuals, Ashoka convenes cross-sector collaborations that unite governments, businesses, civil society, and innovators to drive large-scale change. Serving as the South Asia hub, Ashoka India also connects changemakers across Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka to global networks of support.
From Gloria De Souza — India’s first Ashoka Fellow who redefined classroom learning — to today’s diverse ecosystem of innovators, Ashoka’s story is one of empowerment, collaboration, and transformation.
In honouring Ashoka India with the TALHero Award 2025 in the Nonprofit category, we celebrate its vision of building an ecosystem where changemaking is not the exception, but the norm.
Impact Highlights:
- Supported 500+ Fellows across poverty, education, health, and livelihoods Launched the Ashoka Young Changemakers program, empowering youth nationwide
- Convened cross-sector collaborations for systemic change
- Serves as a regional hub for South Asia, connecting global and local changemakers
S M Sehgal Foundation
Building Resilient Villages, Empowering Rural India
For more than two decades, the S M Sehgal Foundation (SMSF) has strengthened rural India through participatory, community-driven development. With a vision rooted in empathy and innovation, SMSF has touched the lives of 5.9 million+ people across 13 states, creating pathways to resilience and self-reliance in underserved regions.
At the core of its work is the Integrated Village Development Model, a holistic framework that combines traditional wisdom with modern innovations. By addressing interconnected needs — water, education, women’s empowerment, and agricultural sustainability — SMSF ensures that villages not only survive but thrive.
Flagship initiatives illustrate this impact:
- Water Management: Rainwater harvesting and groundwater recharge systems securing water for families and farming.
- Women’s Empowerment: Women’s Leadership Schools equipping rural women with confidence, skills, and influence.
- Education & Technology: Digital tools for schools and innovative apps for farmers, bridging the rural–urban divide and boosting productivity.
What makes SMSF unique is its focus on sustainability — creating self-reliant villages where communities take ownership of solutions. By embedding leadership within local populations, SMSF ensures that progress continues long after external programs conclude.
In honouring the S M Sehgal Foundation with the TALHero Award 2025 in the Nonprofit category, we celebrate its unwavering commitment to rural transformation and its model of resilient, community-led development.
Impact Highlights:
- Reached 5.9M+ people across 13 states
- Pioneered an Integrated Village Development Model
- Secured water through rainwater harvesting and recharge systems
- Empowered rural women through Women’s Leadership Schools
- Advanced rural growth with digital education and agri-tech tools
Manchi Pustakam
Storytelling for Curiosity, Equality, and Imagination
For more than two decades, Manchi Pustakam has been nurturing a love for reading among children across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. Formally registered as a public trust in 2004, it grew from earlier grassroots efforts like Bala Sahithi in the 1980s to fill the void of quality children’s literature in Telugu. Today, it stands as a pioneering force in regional publishing, with a catalogue of over 500 original and translated titles.
Each year, more than 200,000 books from Manchi Pustakam reach 400+ schools and learning centres through exhibitions, libraries, and donor-supported programs. Its books are priced affordably, reprinted often, and distributed widely, ensuring access to children across communities. The organisation also curates libraries for schools and supports parents and teachers in fostering a culture of reading.
What makes Manchi Pustakam unique is its storytelling philosophy: books avoid forced morals, allowing children to discover meaning for themselves. Around 15–20% of its collection is dedicated to science and non-fiction, while the rest features imaginative stories and picture books that explore themes of empathy, equality, and inclusion. Its stories challenge caste, gender, and disability stereotypes — broadening horizons for young readers.
Guided by the principle of putting “the child at the centre of every story,” Manchi Pustakam continues to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and creativity.
In honouring Manchi Pustakam with the TALHero Award 2025 in the Nonprofit category, we celebrate its pioneering contribution to Telugu children’s literature and its vision of raising generations of curious, compassionate learners.
Impact Highlights:
- Published 500+ titles in Telugu (original + translated)
- Distributed 200,000+ books annually across 400+ schools and centres
- Focus on themes of empathy, equality, inclusion, and science
- Created affordable, culturally resonant books with high accessibility
- Built a grassroots reading culture in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
Compass Family Services
Storytelling for Curiosity, Equality, and Imagination
For more than a century, Compass Family Services has been a trusted lifeline for families in San Francisco experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Established over 100 years ago, Compass has evolved into one of California’s longest-operating social service agencies, adapting to the changing needs of vulnerable families while staying true to its mission of building stable futures.
Its holistic approach goes beyond shelter to address the interconnected challenges families face. Compass provides stable housing, childcare, employment training, and behavioral health services, helping parents not only find homes but also gain the skills and confidence needed for long-term self-sufficiency.
The results speak for themselves: 92% of families who complete Compass’s housing programs achieve lasting stability. In the last year alone, Compass served 11,110 parents and children, nearly half of whom were under 18. By treating the family as a whole, Compass creates pathways out of crisis and into opportunity.
With its century-long legacy, Compass has become a model of compassion and innovation — demonstrating how family-centered, wraparound care can dismantle the cycle of homelessness. Its work continues to strengthen communities and inspire hope for future generations.
In honouring Compass Family Services with the TALHero Award 2025 in the Nonprofit category, we celebrate its dedication to transforming lives and building stable, resilient families.
Impact Highlights:
- Provided services to 11,110 parents and children last year
- Nearly 50% of beneficiaries are children under 18
- Achieved 92% housing stability for families completing programs
- Delivered wraparound services in housing, childcare, employment, and mental health
- Over 100 years of impact as a trusted social service agency
Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI)
Breaking the Cycle of Poverty Through Education
In San Diego, where systemic inequities often limit opportunity, the Barrio Logan College Institute (BLCI) is rewriting futures through the power of education. Founded with a mission to break the cycle of poverty, BLCI provides underserved youth and families with the support and resources needed to achieve what once felt out of reach: becoming college graduates.
BLCI’s model prepares students from kindergarten through high school for academic success and higher education. Through wraparound support, mentorship, and family engagement, learning extends beyond the classroom, creating a strong foundation for long-term achievement. Parents are also engaged, reinforcing the belief that education is a family journey.
The results are transformative: nearly all BLCI students become first-generation college graduates. This success not only changes individual lives but also uplifts entire families and creates ripple effects of opportunity across generations.
Nationally recognised as a model for addressing systemic inequities, BLCI demonstrates how community-based education initiatives can foster mobility, resilience, and hope. Its work shows that when children are consistently supported, the barriers of poverty can be dismantled.
In honouring BLCI with the TALHero Award 2025 in the Nonprofit category, we celebrate its role as a powerful catalyst for generational change through education.
Impact Highlights:
- Ensures nearly 100% college graduation for participating students
- Provides wraparound mentorship and family engagement from K–12
- Transforms first-generation college student pathways in San Diego
- Recognised nationally as a model for education equity and social mobility
Saloni Heart Foundation
Giving Children a Second Chance at Life
Across India, thousands of children are born each year with congenital heart disease, a condition that can be fatal without timely treatment. For families from underprivileged backgrounds, the high cost of surgery and specialised care often means no options. The Saloni Heart Foundation (SHF) was created to change that.
Rooted in compassion, SHF ensures that no child is denied life-saving surgery due to financial barriers. By funding operations, offering financial aid, and forging partnerships with leading hospitals, the foundation restores hope to families facing overwhelming odds.
Its work goes beyond immediate care. SHF raises awareness about congenital heart disease and advocates for systemic improvements in pediatric cardiac care nationwide. A milestone in this mission came in 2024 with the launch of the Saloni Heart Centre at SGPGIMS, Lucknow, in collaboration with UCSF. Starting with 30 pre- and post-surgery beds, 6 ICU beds, and one operating theatre, the centre is set to grow into a 200-bed super-speciality pediatric cardiac facility, performing up to 5,000 surgeries annually while training 1,500+ medical professionals.
In just 18 months, SHF has delivered 5,000+ second opinions, funded 70+ surgeries, and completed 300+ pediatric operations. Backed by major CSR support, including ₹9.98 crore from SBI Foundation, SHF is rapidly becoming a beacon of equity and hope in Indian healthcare.
In honouring the Saloni Heart Foundation with the TALHero Award 2025 in the Nonprofit category, we celebrate its life-saving mission of giving children a second chance at life.
Impact Highlights:
- Launched the Saloni Heart Centre at SGPGIMS with UCSF partnership
- Facility expanding to 200 beds, 5,000 surgeries, and 10,000 children annually
- Delivered 5,000+ expert second opinions and 300+ surgeries in 18 months
- Advocates for systemic improvements in pediatric cardiac care across India
YASH Technologies
Scalable CSR for Inclusive Growth
In today’s world, corporate social responsibility (CSR) is not just about giving back — it is about creating sustainable, measurable impact that transforms communities. Through its Social Welfare Foundation, YASH Technologies exemplifies this vision by integrating CSR into business strategy and aligning with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The results are visible at scale. In just the past year, YASH has:
- Reached 15,000 children and trained 1,200 teachers through smart classrooms, digital tools, and scholarships.
- Enabled 841 women with vocational training, entrepreneurship programs, and self-help groups to achieve financial independence.
- Delivered mobile medical vans, school nutrition programs, and hygiene initiatives impacting thousands.
- Improved sustainability through rural water supply systems, solar power, and agroforestry projects.
What sets YASH apart is its systematic, scalable, and tech-driven approach. With strong partnerships, innovation, and data transparency, the company ensures accountability and maximises impact. Its CSR portal even provides real-time project visibility, demonstrating commitment to transparency and trust.
Recognised across industries for women’s empowerment and technology-enabled solutions, YASH has created a roadmap for sustainable, inclusive growth. Its efforts show that when CSR is woven into the heart of business, it becomes more than charity — it becomes systemic change.
In honouring YASH Technologies with the TALHero Award 2025 in the CSR category, we celebrate its scalable and measurable approach to empowering communities.
Impact Highlights:
- 15,000 children, 1,200 teachers reached through education programs
- 841 women empowered via vocational training and enterprise support
- Mobile healthcare and nutrition initiatives benefitting thousands
- Rural water, solar, and agroforestry projects are improving sustainability
- Tech-driven CSR portal ensuring real-time transparency and accountability
CGI
Driving Inclusive Growth Through Purposeful CSR
For CGI, corporate social responsibility is not just a program — it is a promise. Rooted in sustainable development and inclusive growth, CGI’s CSR strategy revolves around three pillars: Communities, Climate, and Education. These pillars are reshaping lives and creating measurable impact across India.
The results are visible at scale. In just the past year, YASH has:
- Empowering Communities: From skill development for transgender persons to livelihood opportunities for underserved groups, CGI’s programs foster dignity, empowerment, and long-term change.
- Protecting the Climate: Projects expand rural access to green energy, improve waste management, and reduce carbon footprints — aligning with CGI’s net-zero commitments.
- Expanding Education: By supporting STEM learning and digital access in rural schools, CGI equips thousands of young people with future-ready skills.
What makes CGI’s approach unique is its culture of shared responsibility. Leaders, employees, and clients actively participate, turning CSR into a movement of collective impact. Globally, CGI integrates CSR into its ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) practices, reducing emissions, championing diversity, and ensuring ethical business standards.
This holistic vision has made CGI a recognised leader in purpose-driven CSR, demonstrating how businesses can empower communities while safeguarding the planet.
In honouring CGI with the TALHero Award 2025 in the CSR category, we celebrate its commitment to building inclusive, sustainable futures.
Impact Highlights:
- Skill development and livelihoods for underserved and transgender communities
- Green energy and waste management projects tackling climate change
- STEM and digital education programs reaching rural students
- Employee-driven CSR culture turning initiatives into a movement
- Globally aligned with UN Global Compact principles and ESG leadership
Marvell Technologies
Innovating for Sustainability and Shared Progress
At Marvell Technologies, corporate responsibility is deeply intertwined with innovation. Known globally for its cutting-edge semiconductor solutions, Marvell believes that “how we do things matters just as much as what we do.” This philosophy drives its commitment to sustainability, ethical practices, and long-term value creation.
Marvell’s CSR approach spans four key priorities: stakeholder engagement, sustainability governance, operational resilience, and community engagement. These priorities guide efforts across the company — from reducing environmental impact to building inclusive workplaces.
- Sustainability and Environment: Marvell designs products to optimise power and performance while minimising environmental impacts. It works closely with suppliers to integrate sustainable practices into semiconductor manufacturing. The company addresses climate change through emission reduction goals, renewable energy adoption, and water and waste management initiatives.
- Community Engagement: Beyond business, Marvell invests in communities, supporting education, inclusion, and initiatives that enable collaboration for social good.
By combining technological innovation with sustainability, Marvell positions itself not only as a semiconductor leader but also as a partner in building a low-carbon, inclusive future.
Launched the Women@Marvell network, with 20 chapters and 700+ members worldwide, advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion across the organisation.
Encouraged employees to drive community impact by offering paid volunteer time and a company donation-matching program, doubling the effect of their contributions.
In honouring Marvell Technologies with the TALHero Award 2025 in the CSR category, we celebrate its commitment to innovation that powers progress while protecting people and the planet.
Impact Highlights:
- Designed sustainable semiconductor solutions optimising power and performance
- Advanced climate goals through renewable energy, water, and waste initiatives
- Supported community engagement and education programs worldwide
TCWGlobal
Driving Social Impact and Responsible Growth
At TCWGlobal, corporate responsibility is not an afterthought — it is embedded in the very fabric of its business philosophy. Guided by a commitment to equality, sustainability, and community upliftment, the company believes in pairing business success with meaningful social impact.
Its CSR framework is built on four key pillars: community engagement, philanthropy, employee volunteerism, and environmental sustainability. These pillars guide initiatives that combine financial support, active employee participation, and long-term partnerships for systemic change.
Through the VIBES initiative, TCWGlobal engages employees and clients in impactful programs such as Cooper’s Christmas Village for underserved children, military hero festivals, orphanage support, and fundraising campaigns. A charity match program doubles employee donations up to $5,000 annually, multiplying the impact of individual generosity.
Sustainability is equally central. From solar panel installations to composting programs, TCWGlobal integrates environmentally responsible practices into daily operations.
This culture of service is reflected internally as well — TCWGlobal fosters an inclusive, employee-driven environment where philanthropy, volunteerism, and ethics thrive. The company continues to scale its community-focused programs, proving that profit and purpose can go hand in hand.
In honouring TCWGlobal with the TALHero Award 2025 in the CSR category, we celebrate its holistic vision of corporate responsibility that uplifts people, protects the planet, and strengthens communities.
Impact Highlights:
- Donates a significant portion of profits annually to nonprofits
- Engages employees and clients through the VIBES initiative
- Implements sustainable practices like solar energy and composting
TALHero Awards 2025 Judging Committee US

Shekar Dasgupta
Business Manager, Entrepreneur & Advisory Board Member
Christopher Salem
CRS Group Holdings LLC
Sustainable Success Coaching & Consulting
Jeff Spar
CIO and Digital Transformation Leader
Spar Transformation Advisors, LLC
L. Mattock (Mattie) Scariot
Director
Poppy Jasper International Film Festival






