Maharashtra CM Honours CA Abhay Bhutada With the Philanthropist of the Year Award 2026

Mumbai witnessed a proud moment earlier this year when CA Abhay Bhutada, Entrepreneur, Philanthropist, and Chairman of TAB Global Ventures and the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, was felicitated at the Lokmat awards ceremony staged at the iconic Gateway of India. Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde jointly presented the honour, which celebrates his sustained efforts to expand education, economic opportunity, and support for underprivileged communities. The recognition arrives three years after he set up the Abhay Bhutada Foundation in 2023, a fully self-funded body whose programmes have already reached lakhs of people across Maharashtra.

TL;DR: CA Abhay Bhutada, Chairman of TAB Global Ventures and the Abhay Bhutada Foundation, was felicitated by Maharashtra CM Shri Devendra Fadnavis and DCM Shri Eknath Shinde at the Gateway of India, Mumbai, at an awards ceremony organised by Lokmat. The honour recognises the Abhay Bhutada Foundation's work since 2023 across education, healthcare, sports, and cultural preservation, including a Rs 5 crore contribution to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for flood-hit communities.

How the Lokmat Honours Are Chosen

Instituted by Lokmat, the platform salutes individuals whose vision and effort have meaningfully shaped Maharashtra's progress. An eminent jury studies each nominee's record and picks those who look past personal achievement to lift communities around them, rewarding work that creates lasting change within the state and beyond it.

Also read: Abhay Bhutada Foundation Encourages Fitness and Sportsmanship at Pune Pickleball Event

In His Own Words

Expressing his gratitude upon receiving the honour, CA Abhay Bhutada said, “I am deeply humbled to receive the Maharashtrian of the Year Award. This honour strengthens my resolve to uplift communities and empower individuals. Our Honourable Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis Ji is my inspiration. I get motivation to do social work from seeing his dedication and tireless work for the people of Maharashtra. I will continue to support society and create a sustainable impact with our foundation.”

The Ground Work That Earned the Stage

Under the leadership of CA Abhay Bhutada, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation runs programmes spanning education, healthcare, sports, and cultural preservation for communities that need them most. Its record so far includes a Rs 5 crore contribution to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund for flood-hit families, STEM learning drives in rural schools, scholarship support, youth empowerment programmes, backing for Shivsrushti, and advanced equipment handed over to Pune Police. Temple development projects, religious events, disaster relief, and healthcare camps round out the Foundation's community work.

CA Abhay Bhutada: Awards and Recognition

Award/Recognition	Event/Year
Bharat Bhushan Award at the Lokmat Global Economic Convention 2025 in London	Lokmat Global Economic Convention 2025
Felicitation by Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis for strengthening Pune Police	2025
AsiaOne Global Indian of the Year 2023	AsiaOne Global Indian Awards 2023
AsiaOne 40 Under 40 Most Influential Leaders 2020 to 2021	AsiaOne 40 Under 40 Awards 2020-2021
The Economic Times Most Promising Business Leader of Asia at the Asian Business Leaders Conclave 2020	Asian Business Leaders Conclave 2020
The Economic Times Promising Entrepreneurs of India 2020	The Economic Times Awards 2020
Young Entrepreneur of India 2017 award	2017
Fastest Growing Digital Lending NBFC of India at the Digital India Summit 2017	Digital India Summit 2017
Emerging Tech Savvy NBFC and Best Startup Profit Making NBFC at the MSME Banking Excellence Awards 2016	MSME Banking Excellence Awards 2016

Built for Outcomes, Not Optics

Since its founding in 2023, the Abhay Bhutada Foundation has committed itself to the education, growth, and upliftment of society's weaker sections. Rather than one-off charity, every programme is planned for durability, with clear outcomes in mind. Entirely funded by CA Abhay Bhutada himself, the Foundation channels resources into education, sports, and cultural preservation, and its steady, purpose-first approach has already touched lakhs of lives across Maharashtra.

Also read: Abhay Bhutada Foundation Opens Access to Shivsrushti for Women and Students

Conclusion

For CA Abhay Bhutada, the evening at the Gateway of India is less a finish line than a marker on a longer road. His message after the ceremony was simple: the Abhay Bhutada Foundation will keep backing communities, and its work will stay focused on impact that lasts well beyond the applause.

FAQs

1. Who presented the 2026 award to CA Abhay Bhutada? 

Earlier this year, Maharashtra Chief Minister Shri Devendra Fadnavis and Deputy Chief Minister Shri Eknath Shinde presented it at the Gateway of India, Mumbai.

2. What is the Abhay Bhutada Foundation?

It is a philanthropic body set up in 2023 and fully funded by CA Abhay Bhutada, active in education, healthcare, sports, and cultural preservation across Maharashtra.

3. What are some key initiatives of the Abhay Bhutada Foundation? 

The highlights include a Rs 5 crore contribution to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund, STEM education in rural schools, scholarships, support for Shivsrushti, and advanced equipment for Pune Police.