Instituting the Cheistha Kochhar Good Samaritan Award by C-DEP.org

The Centre for Digital Economy Policy Research (C-DEP.org) has instituted the Cheistha Kocchar Good Samaritan Award, an annual award recognizing exceptional individuals who have made significant contributions to society through selfless service. This award is a tribute to Cheistha Kochhar (1990—2024), a visionary change-maker in behavioural science and organization strategy, whose work continues to inspire positive change.

Cheistha Kochhar was a pioneering professional in behavioural science, with a career dedicated to improving public policy and organizational strategy. Her impactful work with institutions like Niti Aayog, McKinsey, the University of Chicago, and the London School of Economics, as well as her role in establishing India’s first National Behavioural Insights Unit (Nudge), set a high standard for excellence and innovation. The award named in her honor, reflects unwavering commitment to the betterment of society. 

Cheistha Kochhar’s life was cut short when she was run over by a truck while cycling in London. Cheistha Kochhar, who had earlier worked with the public policy think-tank NITI Aayog, was pursuing her PhD at the London School of Economics. Amitabh Kant, former CEO of NITI Aayog, had shared the news of her death in an online post saying “Cheistha Kochhar worked with me on the #LIFE programme in @NITIAayog. She was in the #Nudge unit and had gone to do her Ph.D in behavioural science at #LSE. Passed away in a terrible traffic incident while cycling in London. She was bright, brilliant & brave and always full of life. Gone away too early. RIP." 

The Cheistha Kochhar Good Samaritan Award is being instituted by C-DEP at the behest of Sujit Bhattacharya, a young scholar who wants to use the nudge theory that Cheistha used to work on, to bring in change in society. The award will support actions taken by exceptional individuals dedicated to service to society and is expected to nudge more citizens to become good samaritans. The awardee will be provided an honorarium of INR 10,000 per month for a period of 1 year to support the initiatives undertaken. In addition to the financial support, C-DEP will also provide the awardee with access to resources and student volunteers to drive social change, and a platform to present and share their work with the larger society, so as to motivate others to join in the efforts to improve our society.

"The award is open to any Indian citizen who has demonstrated a consistent commitment to societal upliftment. Nominations can be submitted through C-DEP.org, with both external nominations and self-nominations. A distinguished jury will select the awardees."

The Centre for Digital Economy Policy Research (C-DEP.org) is an independent think tank focused on advancing India’s technology-driven economy and domestic industries through well-researched, inclusive policy recommendations, and to work towards increasing the manufacturing capacity in the country through appropriate policy and fiscal interventions. By instituting this award, C-DEP continues its mission to foster a society driven by fairness, innovation, and social responsibility