The awards were given away in four categories. Award for outstanding contribution in the field of constructive work was given to Biswanath Patnaik of Orissa-based Banabasi Seva Samiti, who has worked in the field of development of scheduled castes and scheduled Tribes, education and upliftment of downtrodden women, children, abolition of dowry, prohibition etc. He has also started welfare schemes, primary, secondary schools and non-formal education centres. His model has been prescribed by the Central Government for social welfare schemes for other states.

Tushar Kanjilal of West Bengal received the award for application of science and technology for rural development. Kanjilal elaborated on his experiences as an active campaigner for the protection of Sunderbans for thirty years.

Phoolbasan Yadav, a Chattisgarh native, was the recipient of the award for outstanding contribution for the upliftment of women and children. Yadav, who has studied till the seventh standard, formed self-help groups like the Pragya Mahila Samooh, Kiraya Bhandar and the Bazar Theka with the help of other women of her village. She has been actively involved in abolishing child marriage and dowry in around 65 villages of her state.