Awards presented at Independence Day function
At the Independence Day celebrations in Chennai, Chief Minister Vijay presented a series of state awards recognising contributions to Tamil Nadu’s development, public service and social welfare.
Thagaisaal Tamilar Award
The Thagaisaal Tamilar Award, instituted by the Tamil Nadu government to honour those who have contributed to the growth of the state and the Tamil community, was presented to former Tamil Nadu Congress president Krishnasamy. He received a cheque for Rs 10 lakh along with a citation.
Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Award and Kalpana Chawla Award
The Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Award, given on Independence Day for excellence in areas such as scientific development, humanism and student welfare, was announced for diabetologist Dr Mohan for his medical contributions and for providing free treatment to poor and unsupported patients. The Chief Minister handed the award to Dr Mohan’s daughter Anjana on his behalf.
The Kalpana Chawla Award, which recognises women involved in acts of courage and adventure, was presented to Navsheen Banu Chand from Coimbatore district. She completed the Tenzing Hillary Everest Marathon for three consecutive years from 2024 to 2026, achieving a hat-trick.
Chief Minister’s Good Governance Awards and disability welfare honours
Under the Chief Minister’s Good Governance Awards, Nilgiris Collector Lakshmi Bhavya was selected for identifying childhood developmental deficiencies in the district and taking action through an integrated approach; the award will be presented at the Collectors and SPs conference in Chennai.
Good Governance Awards were also presented to Chennai Metro Rail’s General Manager Satheesh Prabhu for maintaining stations and trains through modern upkeep, eco-friendly practices and scientific waste management, and to Dr Geethanjali of the Orthopaedics and Accident Trauma Care department at Coimbatore Government Medical College for producing lightweight artificial limbs by recycling department funds without additional cost to the government.
In disability welfare categories, an award for service to persons with disabilities was presented to Chennai-based Dr Thirunavukkarasu, Director and Head of the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at the Chennai Government Rehabilitation Centre, recognising over 34 years of service. Awards were also given to Srishti Foundation in Konamangalam village, Villupuram district, for training and education support to over 625 persons with disabilities; to Manimaran, head of the Ulaga Makkal Sevai Maiyam in Tiruvannamalai, for work supporting persons with disabilities and other vulnerable groups; and to SCM Garments in Tiruppur district for employing 212 persons with disabilities.
