Upasana Kamineni Konidela, Founder of URLife and Vice Chairperson of CSR at Apollo Hospitals, was honored with the EmpowerHER Champion Award at the 2024 CSR Journal Excellence Awards. The award recognizes her unwavering commitment to women's empowerment, health, and wellness. Speaking at the event, Upasana expressed her gratitude, saying, “Thank you so much for the award. I am truly honored, but this recognition is not just for me. I am here as a representative of all the women who work tirelessly to make the world a better place. Gayatri, you are one of those individuals, and I am grateful for this acknowledgment.”

The 7th edition of the CSR Journal Excellence Awards took place on September 30, 2024, at the Jio World Convention Centre in Mumbai. The event was graced by distinguished guests, including the Honourable Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Om Birla, and the Honourable Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde. With a theme of *‘India First’* and a focus on Women Empowerment, the awards aimed to honor exemplary practices in Corporate Social Responsibility, spanning categories such as Education & Skill Training, Women Empowerment & Child Welfare, Environment, Agriculture & Rural Development, Health & Sanitation, and Sports.

Over 600 guests attended the event, including senior bureaucrats, social activists, youth leaders, corporate leaders, and students. Notable figures like P. T. Usha, Member of Parliament in the Rajya Sabha and President of the Indian Olympic Association, were present. Bollywood stars Ayushmann Khurrana, Vikrant Massey, Dia Mirza, and Manushi Chhillar, as well as Indian footballer Sunil Chhetri, added a touch of glamour to the evening.

In his address, Om Birla commended the awardees, acknowledging their efforts in improving the lives of the underprivileged. He remarked, “If with your efforts you can bring a smile to even one person’s face, there is no nobler task than this.” He also emphasized the socio-economic changes in India, highlighting how government initiatives are fostering growth and international respect.

Amit Upadhyay, Founder and Editor-in-Chief of The CSR Journal, spoke passionately about the event's theme, emphasizing that women have always been inherently empowered within Indian culture. He noted that the values of social responsibility and communal harmony are deeply rooted in the country’s traditions.

The 2024 CSR Journal Excellence Awards celebrated not only corporate contributions but also the spirit of social change, bringing together a diverse group of leaders and changemakers dedicated to building a better, more inclusive society.