The awards carry forward the vision of APD founder N.S. Hema, who established the organisation in 1959 with an aim that extended beyond supporting persons with disabilities to building an ecosystem where organisations working in the sector could grow, collaborate and create lasting impact.
Over the years, the N.S. Hema Memorial Awards have recognised organisations including People with Hearing Impaired Network (PHIN), Saadhya Trust for Social Development, Sri Arunodayam Charitable Trust and Atchayam Trust for innovative, community-led models in disability inclusion.
The 10th edition introduces two award categories: Disability Inclusive Health and Disability Inclusive Livelihood. With a total prize pool of Rs. 2.5 lakh, the awards will also provide winners and selected high-potential organisations access to strategic co-funding opportunities, capacity-building cohorts and peer-learning networks aimed at strengthening organisational resilience and amplifying long-term impact.
“Organisations closest to the communities they serve often bring a deep understanding of what inclusion looks like in practice. Their work is shaped by lived realities, local needs and the aspirations of the people they work alongside. The N.S. Hema Memorial Awards are an opportunity to recognise this leadership and create pathways for organisations to access the resources, networks and opportunities they need to strengthen their impact,” said Sukanto Aich, CEO, Association of People with Disability (APD).
Applications are open to legally registered non-profit organisations, including Trusts or Societies, that hold valid 12A, 80G and CSR-1 registrations. Eligible organisations must have 3–10 years of active field operations, an annual budget of up to Rs. 2.5 crore depending on the award category, and an active presence in Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana or Maharashtra.
Entries will be evaluated by an independent jury based on impact evidence, community-led models, innovation and scaling potential, and governance practices.
Organisations can nominate themselves until August 20, 2026, through events.apps.apd-india.org. Detailed guidelines and eligibility criteria are available at www.apd-india.org.
The Association of People with Disability is a pioneering non-profit organisation established in 1959 by the late Ms N. S. Hema. APD has impacted over 6 lakh People with Disabilities from underprivileged communities from remote, rural and poor socioeconomic backgrounds. Its various programs cover 18 out of 21 disabilities stated in the RPWD Act 2016.
APD has a diverse and inclusive team of over 230 members, including 45% women and 30% PwD’s, and reaches out to over 60,000 direct and indirect beneficiaries annually. The organisation is managed by a professional team of developmental and technical experts overseen by an eminent Board of Governors and Trustees.
APD maintains the highest standards of governance, has been acknowledged by multiple donors and is accredited by independent agencies including TISS, Credibility Alliance, RCI and NIPMAN Foundation. The 10th N.S. Hema Memorial Awards continue its effort to recognise and strengthen organisations working towards disability inclusion across the identified regions.
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