Early Life and Education
Dr. Aruna Abhey Oswal was born in Ambala and was brought up in a nurturing family environment. Her parents encouraged her interests in dance, music and acting and instilled in her the confidence to face life's challenges with determination.
She holds a Master’s degree in English.
Journey of Service and Leadership
Dr. Aruna Abhey Oswal began her journey in the Lions movement in 1989. Her tenure as Governor of Lions District 3231 A3 in 2004–05 remains an important chapter in her journey of service and leadership.
Under her leadership, numerous fellowship and community service initiatives were undertaken. One of the notable initiatives was the distribution of 1,000 sewing machines to support women’s empowerment, which was witnessed and appreciated by the then International President of Lions Clubs International, Lion Tae Sup Lee, along with Lions leadership in India.
Over the years, she has been associated with initiatives involving blood banks, eye-care services and community welfare programmes established in the name of Shrimati Mohandai Oswal. She has also supported educational and medical initiatives in rural and tribal areas.
Her dedication and contribution led to leadership responsibilities at the Club, District, Multiple District and international levels. She served as a National and Multi-National Coordinator for Campaign Sight First II, through which the Oswal family partnered with the Lions Clubs International Foundation (LCIF) to support four eye-care hospitals across India in the name of Shri Vidyasagar Oswal.
She subsequently served as a Trustee of LCIF and contributed to initiatives aimed at strengthening humanitarian service and community development.
At the Lions Clubs International Convention in Hamburg in 2013, the Oswal family further strengthened its partnership with LCIF through a significant philanthropic commitment.
Healthcare and Humanitarian Initiatives
In 2015, the Aruna Abhey Oswal Trust launched its flagship Mobile Medical Vans Project, providing primary healthcare services to rural and underserved communities in India. The initiative has continued to expand its outreach, including work in neighbouring countries such as Nepal and Bangladesh.
Dr. Aruna Abhey Oswal has also served as a Board Appointee and Vice Chairperson of the Steering Committee of LCIF, contributing her experience and knowledge towards strengthening the Foundation's humanitarian programmes.
In 2016–18, she served as an International Director of Lions Clubs International, following her appointment at the Lions Clubs International Convention in Fukuoka, Japan.
In 2017, the Oswal family, in partnership with LCIF, supported the establishment of Mammography and ENT Centres in Nairobi, Kenya, along with initiatives in education, healthcare and skill development in Cambodia and Japan.
Current Leadership and Institutional Roles
Dr. Aruna Abhey Oswal continues to contribute to several organisations and institutions dedicated to social welfare, humanitarian service and community development.
Her key roles include:
Chairperson, Abhey Oswal Group and Aruna Abhey Oswal Trust.
Past International Director and Trustee, Lions Clubs International.
Co-President and International Trustee, World Council of Religions for Peace.
Vice President, World Jain Confederation.
Member of the Board of PHD Family Welfare Foundation and PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry.
Chairperson, Bhagwan Mahavir Super Speciality Hospital.
Trustee of the Loomba Foundation, supporting initiatives for the education and empowerment of children and widows.
Chairperson, Indian Council for Human Relations (ICHR), contributing to initiatives aimed at improving the living conditions of children from disadvantaged communities.
Through the Aruna Abhey Oswal Trust, she supports a school for children from economically weaker sections of society and a vocational training centre focused on women's skill development and empowerment.
As National Ambassador for Special Olympics Bharat, she has supported the “Mission Inclusion” programme through Unified Sports, in partnership with LCIF, Special Olympics International and the Aruna Abhey Oswal Trust, promoting inclusion and dignity for athletes with intellectual disabilities.
Major Contributions and Achievements
Dr. Aruna Abhey Oswal's humanitarian journey encompasses a wide range of initiatives in healthcare, education, rehabilitation, women's empowerment and community welfare.
Among her significant contributions are:
In 1999, she personally travelled to the flood-affected areas of Paradip, Odisha, to support the immediate needs of affected communities. She subsequently contributed to rehabilitation initiatives, including schools and an orphanage.
She was involved in the planning and development of a 100-bed hospital in Ahmednagar, providing healthcare services to the community.
Along with her husband, Shri Abhey Kumar Oswal, she envisioned and supported the construction of houses at Vijay Inder Nagar, Ludhiana, for the rehabilitation of widows and financially backward people.
She has supported numerous initiatives in education, healthcare, women’s empowerment and community development through philanthropic and humanitarian organisations.
In recognition of her contribution to humanitarian service and community welfare, Dr. Aruna Abhey Oswal has received several honours and awards, including:
Honorary Doctoral Degree, conferred by APAMALL, Deep Education, University of Wisconsin–Madison, USA, in 2018, in recognition of humanitarian service.
Mother Teresa Lifetime Achievement Award, presented by the Mother Teresa International Award Committee.
Jain Ratna Award, presented by the then Prime Minister of India, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee.
Recognition for her community service by Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India.
Woman of Substance Award, presented by Smt. Kiran Bedi.
Humanitarian Partner Award, presented by the Lions Clubs International Foundation.
Numerous Leadership Medals and Presidential Awards for her contribution to humanitarian and community service.
The highest recognition of Lions Clubs International, the Ambassador of Goodwill Award, has also been conferred upon the Oswal family.
A Commitment to Service
Dr. Aruna Abhey Oswal's journey reflects a deep commitment to the values of service, compassion, education and empowerment. Her work continues to inspire initiatives that seek to create opportunities for children, women, families and communities in need.
She attributes much of her inspiration and strength to her late husband, Shri Abhey Kumar Oswal, whom she regards as her mentor, friend, philosopher and guide. She remains committed to carrying forward his vision of serving humanity through education, healthcare, social welfare and humanitarian service.
