The Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan Foundation is proud to announce the recipients of the prestigious National Excellence Awards for 2024. These awards celebrate outstanding contributions across various fields, honoring ten exceptional individuals and institutions. The awardees, selected from nearly 1000 entries from across India, will each receive a cash award of ₹1 lakh, along with a memento and citation.
This year, in response to significant participation and the high caliber of submissions, the Foundation has expanded the awards from six to ten categories, including two special awards for Pravasi Bharatiyas (Overseas Indians) and four awards dedicated to social service, titled “Shri Dattopant Thengadi Seva Samman.”
Here are some notable recipients:
- Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan National Award for Excellence in Journalism 2024:
- Shri P. Narayanan, retired chief editor of Janmabhumi Daily, known for his influential column Sanghapathathiloode, a prominent feature in Malayalam media for over two decades.
- Excellence in Science Reporting and Organic Farming:
- Shri Umendra Dutt, Executive Director of Kheti Virasat Mission, for promoting organic farming in Punjab.
- Excellence in Art and Culture 2024:
- Shri Sathyanarayana Raju, a renowned Bharatanatyam dancer from Bengaluru, Karnataka.
- Excellence in Exposing Medical Malpractices 2024:
- Shri Jeejo John Puthezhath, Special Correspondent at Malayala Manorama, for his relentless investigation into global organ trafficking syndicates.
- Shri Dattopant Thengadi Seva Samman in Social Service:
- Ms. Meneka Gandhi, for her efforts in animal welfare and environmental conservation.
- Cardinal Baselios Cleemis, for his transformative social service impacting thousands across India.
- Shri G. Rajamohan, for his contributions to school education.
- Shri Hareesh Kumar P., founder of Niveditha Thozhil Parisheelana Seva Kendram, for empowering women through free career education in Kozhikode, Kerala.
- Excellence in Pravasi Bharatiyas Category:
- Shri Nazeer V. Koyakutty, CEO of BorgRollsWarner Ltd., UK, for his corporate success and social contributions, particularly in elder care and autism advocacy.
- Shri Ajith Nayar, CEO of CamCom Technologies, Dubai, for his pioneering work in artificial intelligence.
This year also marks the Foundation’s 6th year of awards and the continuation of its Sarvamangalam initiative, which provides monthly pensions to families affected by political violence in Kerala.
The National Excellence Award ceremony will take place on November 28, 2024, at 5:00 PM at the NDMC Convention Centre, Sansad Marg, New Delhi. The Foundation extends an invitation to all to attend this celebration of dedication and service to society.
Dr. R. Balashankar
Chairman & Managing Trustee
Dr. Mangalam Swaminathan Foundation
New Delhi
02, Nov 2024
