Puja Safety Award
Impact Sharad Ananda — launched in 1998 with the WB Fire & Emergency Services Dept. About 60 pandals shortlisted from ~1,100 organisers every year, judged by IAS, IPS, High Court Judges, Union Ministers and celebrities.
Our Story
About Impact Sharad Ananda
A non-political, entirely voluntary organisation from Kolkata — running the Puja Safety Award and community service programmes since 1997.
Our Motto
Together we can.
To stay, work, and have fun together — and not to while away free time, but instead do something constructive for society. That belief brought Impact together in 1997, and it still runs every programme we operate today.
1997
Founded
A non-political voluntary organisation formed by like-minded youngsters in Kolkata.
About us content coming soon
What We Do
Six programmes, one continuous mission.
Our work spans festival safety, emergency mobility, healthcare access, and awareness campaigns — running year-round with our government and civic partners.
Free Ambulance Service
Ambulances stationed at SSKM Hospital, Sambhu Nath Pandit Hospital and other State hospitals — ferrying patients from underprivileged families free of cost or at a nominal charge.
Hearse Service
A dignified free hearse service that has helped thousands of families give their loved ones a respectful farewell. Vehicles are donated by well-wishers.
Free Medical Camps
Approximately 1,000 free medical camps for the poor across Kolkata and other areas of the State. Includes renovation of the mother-and-child care unit at Mohananda Hospital, Behala.
Anti-Drug & Anti-AIDS Awareness
In association with the Narcotics Control Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs — seminars, road shows and conferences in slums, schools and affected areas. Recognised by the World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD).
Anti-Pollution Road Shows
Awareness drives at major city intersections in partnership with Kolkata Traffic Police to educate motorists on emissions and vehicle upkeep.
Distinguished Patrons
Recognised at the highest levels of government.
Over the years, the Puja Safety Award ceremony has been graced by Union Ministers, Ministers of State and senior parliamentarians who came forward to give away the prizes — and to endorse the safety-first message.
Late Pranab Mukherjee
Then Foreign Minister of India
Sushil Kumar Shinde
Former Union Minister
Subodh Kant Sahai
Former Union Minister
N. N. Meena
Former Union Minister
Late Priya Ranjan Das Munshi
Then Parliamentary Affairs Minister
Satyabrata Mukherjee
Former Union Minister
Gen. V. K. Singh
Minister of State, External Affairs
Hansraj Ahir
Minister of State for Home
International recognition
Impact's anti-drug work has been recognised by the World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD) — the largest anti-drug body in the world. Every letter of appreciation from IPS, IAS officers, ministers, consul generals and army officials is on record and available in our
Letters of Appreciation section.
Milestones
A short walk through the work that got us here.
1997
Impact is founded
A group of like-minded youngsters forms IMPACT — a non-political voluntary organisation in Kolkata.
1997
Anti-Drug road shows
The first campaigns launch in association with Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police, with senior IPS and IAS officers participating in sensitive areas.
1998
Impact Sharad Ananda launched
The Fire Service Department ties up with Impact for the flagship Puja Safety Award programme.
2000
Community services begin
Free ambulance and hearse services start at State Government hospitals — donated by well-wishers, ferrying patients and families at no or nominal cost.
2005
Anti-Pollution road shows
Awareness drives at major city intersections in partnership with Kolkata Traffic Police begin.
2010
Anti-Drug & Anti-AIDS programmes scale up
~250 programmes conducted with the Narcotics Control Bureau, Ministry of Home Affairs, across schools, slums and affected areas.
2015
International recognition
Anti-drug work recognised by the World Federation Against Drugs (WFAD) — the largest anti-drug body in the world.
2026
Still showing up
The Puja Safety Award continues into its 29th year — running the same principle we started with.
Get Involved
Volunteer, partner or reach us.
If you would like to sponsor a medical camp, host an anti-drug seminar in your school, or volunteer for the Puja Safety Award inspections — we would love to hear from you.