Dr. Manibhai Desai was conferred many awards for his service to rural upliftment and community development. These included the Padma Shri Award in 1968; Ramon Magsaysay Public Service Award in 1982; Jamnalal Bajaj Award in 1983.

Mr. Arvindbhai Mafatlal stood behind BAIF at various stages of its growth.  A spiritual visionary, he defined Quality of Life as a composite of four A’s namely Anna (livelihood), Akshar (literacy), Arogya (health) and Aacharan (strong moral character).