Coimbatore: Nine residents from the district were on Sunday honoured as ‘Kovai Heroes‘ for their sustained, selfless service that put community welfare above money, power and authority.
Organizers said the event aimed not only at felicitating the nine, but also amplifying their stories so that acts of compassion and civic responsibility find wider resonance.
Addressing the gathering, governor Arlekar said he was deeply moved while honouring the recipients and described the awardees as embodying “nothing less than godliness”. He thanked TOI for bringing such people “before the world,” underlining that recognition could inspire others to contribute to community causes. Shankar Vanavarayar complimented TOI for sustaining the initiative over the years, calling it part of the newspaper’s broader effort to highlight the “best of India”. he said, being enterprising is not limited to generating wealth or building industries While Coimbatore is globally known for enterprise and entrepreneurship. Those who identify social problems, take initiative and create change are “entrepreneurs in their own way”, he said. The ‘Kovai Heroes‘, he said, could serve as role models and inspire the next generation to become changemakers. P K Karthikeyan said the initiative recognised people who “quietly performed extraordinary work” driven by compassion, courage and determination. Announcing financial support, he said Infinium Developers would provide Rs1 lakh each to the nine honourees. The organisers said the nine were chosen through a process led by TOI and evaluated by a two-member independent jury panel -Senthil Natarajan, MD & CEO, Kovai Pazhamudir Nilayam and M Ramesh, MD, Alphacraft Pvt Ltd & director, Foundry Development Foundation – with selection based purely on merit.
Instituted by the Times of India, the awards were presented at a ceremony held at Merlis Hotel, with governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar presiding over the event and handing over the honours. From a man who sold his own assets to build homes for tribal families, to a woman who rescued and protected thousands of birds, to another who ensures unclaimed bodies are cremated with dignity, the awardees represented diverse causes united by a common thread – consistent service without expectation of return. Also on the dais were P K Karthikeyan, director, Infinium Developers LLP; Shankar Vanavarayar, executive director, ABT Industries; Arun Ram; Resident Editor, TOI Chennai; and Manikantan Nair, associate vice-president, the Times of India. The programme included presentation of a memento to the governor by Arun Ram and mementos to the jury panel by Manikantan Nair, followed by the felicitation of the nine awardees and a group photograph. He pointed to the range of work represented by the honourees – supporting healthcare, environmental efforts, dignity in death, assistance to the destitute, care for birds, education and other community needs – and urged young people to balance futuristic ambition with humility and compassion. “While no monetary contribution could fully measure their sacrifice and time, the assistance is intended to help them expand their efforts and reach more beneficiaries. “ Manikantan Nair delivered the vote of thanks at the event.
You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Coimbatore | Silver Rate in Coimbatore | Bank Holidays in Coimbatore | Public Holidays in Coimbatore | Coimbatore AQI | Weather in Coimbatore | Petrol Price in Coimbatore | Diesel Price in Coimbatore | CNG Price in Coimbatore | LPG Price in Coimbatore Stay updated with the latest Coimbatore news. ‘Kovai Heroes‘ is described as a city-wide recognition platform to identify and celebrate individuals making a positive impact on Coimbatore through service, innovation, leadership and acts of kindness. The initiative was presented by Infinium Developers, with SSVM Institutions as education partner and Lakshmi Ceramics as associate partner. Download the TOI App.