Recognition

In 2018, Pratham was named a winner of the LUI Che Woo Prize, a global innovation award that celebrates those making a meaningful impact on humanity. Chosen unanimously in the Positive Energy category for its work in eliminating illiteracy, Pratham stands alongside changemakers who are shaping a brighter future for all.

In 2016, Business Standard, one of India’s leading newspapers, honored Pratham as the “Social Enterprise of the Year” at its Corporate Social Responsibility Awards. Selected from 40 NGOs, Pratham was recognized for its strong governance, deep impact, and unwavering commitment to education.

The Asia Society created this award to honor bold leaders transforming Asia in policy, business, arts, culture, and education. As Pratham’s co-founder, Dr. Madhav Chavan has made it his life’s mission to bring low-cost, high-quality education to underprivileged children across India—and this recognition is a testament to that vision.

Pratham’s Annual Status of Education Report (ASER) was selected as one of ten finalists for the OECD Development Assistance Committee (DAC) Prize. This recognition highlights ASER’s role in driving data-driven innovation to scale, ensuring children everywhere have access to the education they deserve.

For two decades, Pratham has been breaking down barriers to education for millions of disadvantaged children. In 2014, Spain’s BBVA Foundation honored this impact by awarding Pratham the prestigious Frontiers of Knowledge Award in the Development Cooperation category—celebrating innovative solutions that create lasting change.

Pratham co-founder Dr. Madhav Chavan was awarded the WISE Prize for his dedication to transforming education for underserved children in India. Established by Qatar Foundation, this global honor is the first major international award recognizing individuals who are reimagining education for future generations.

Education is one of the most powerful tools for change, and in 2011, the Skoll Foundation recognized Pratham and co-founder Dr. Madhav Chavan with the Skoll Award for Social Entrepreneurship. This award honors bold innovators who are not only solving global challenges but scaling their solutions to reach even more people.

In 2010, Pratham received the Henry R. Kravis Prize in Nonprofit Leadership for its groundbreaking work in education. Presented by Claremont McKenna College, this award celebrates leaders who are driving meaningful, lasting change in the nonprofit sector—exactly what Pratham has been doing for years.