For starting a data base of blood donors to helping the hungry and those who provide care in hospitals to feeding migrant workers during the pandemic, social entrepreneur and chief office superintendent with the Central Railways (CR), Nagpur-based Khushroo Poacha was awarded the 66th National Railways Award 2021 by CR general manager Anil Kumar Lahoti at a function at Victoria Terminus on March 14, 2022, along with nine other railway personnel. The award comprises a medal, a commendation certificate, a citation of exemplary work and a cash award of Rs 10,000. Poacha has been what he calls a soul entrepreneur for over two decades (see "Coping in times of Covid,” Parsiana, June 21-July 6, 2021).
From l: Bakhtiar Dadabhoy, Khushroo Poacha, Anil Kumar Lahoti, A. K. Sinha
Poacha wrote on social media that he was "always questioned” by the media whether his employers knew about the welfare activities conducted by him. "I would have no answer for them… Finally it was (when) the chief minister (Uddhav Thackeray) called me to pat me on my back and the Press coverage that followed, did my organization come to know about my work and what I have been doing outside my organization for the past 22 years… Thanks to my general manager who brought (my activities) to the notice of the Railway Board and railway minister who tweeted about my work.”
Lahoti stated that "the awardees have shown exemplary dedication, sincerity and devotion towards their duties thus motivating others to follow their example,” noted The Free Press Journal of March 15, adding that general manager, Central Railway, Bakhtiar Dadabhoy was present at the award ceremony along with other officials.