The Mother Teresa Charitable Trust celebrated Mother Teresa's 114th birth anniversary with an award ceremony on August 26, 2024, at Kamarajar Arangam, Chennai.
This event honored individuals and organizations for their notable contributions to society, reflecting the Trust’s dedication to continuing the legacy of
Mother Teresa in serving humanity.
The Mother Teresa Charitable Trust, along with its units, the Mother Teresa Forum and the Mother Teresa Auto Drivers Welfare Association,
commemorated Mother Teresa's 114th birth anniversary with a grand award ceremony and welfare assistance event on August 26, 2024, at Kamarajar Arangam,
Chennai. The event was a celebration of humanitarian efforts, honoring individuals and organizations that have made significant contributions to society,
embodying the spirit and legacy of Mother Teresa in serving the needy and promoting social welfare.
The ceremony was a testament to the Trust's dedication to continuing Mother Teresa's mission of compassion and selfless service. It recognized various individuals from different parts of the world for their outstanding contributions to social reform, charity, education, and community service. The awards were categorized into several segments, each highlighting the unique contributions of the recipients
The event saw the presence of several prominent dignitaries who graced the occasion and congratulated the awardees. Mrs. Geetha Jeevan, Hon’ble Minister for Social Welfare, and Shri K. Selvaperunthagai, President of TNCC, were among the chief guests. Other notable attendees included V.G. Santhosam, Chairman of VGP Groups; Mr. Naessay Ramachandran, Chancellor of AMET University; Prof. Dr. S. Salivahanan, Vice Chancellor; Dr. E. Kannan, Registrar of Vel Tech University, and several others from the political, business, and academic sectors.
The function was presided over by Dr. G.K. Dhas, Founder & Managing Trustee, in the presence of Mr. A. Xavier, Co-founder & Trustee, and Mr. C. Vijayakumar, Trustee. The event was meticulously organized and coordinated by the Mother Teresa Forum's office bearers, including Mrs. Radha Sanjeev, National President; Dr. Ulhas Jayant Vasave, National Secretary General; Dr. Dev Anand, National General Secretary, Dr.T.V.Pandiarajan, TamilNadu, Mr.Anand Babu, Andra, G.Narasimma, Karnataka State Presidents and several other national and state-level leaders.
The highest honor of the event, nominated by the Mother Teresa Charitable Trust, was bestowed upon Dr. Ana Mon from Argentina for her exceptional service to humanity, particularly in her efforts to eradicate poverty and uplift marginalized communities. Dr. Ana Mon's work has been instrumental in bringing about tangible changes in the lives of those she serves, aligning closely with the values and teachings of Mother Teresa. The award was conferred by Mrs. Geetha Jeevan, the Hon'ble Minister for Social Welfare.
This prestigious award was awarded to Swami Japananda, the founder of Sri Ramakrishna Sevashram in Karnataka. Swami Japananda has been a beacon of hope for many. He has dedicated his life to serving the poor and sick in rural areas. His ashram has been pivotal in providing free healthcare, education, and vocational training to underprivileged communities. This award was conferred by Shri K. Selvaperunthagai, President of TNCC.
Mrs. Datin Kharen Jit Kaur LCS from Malaysia was the recipient of an award for her outstanding international charity work. Her numerous initiatives, which focus on education, health, and empowerment, have significantly benefited underprivileged children and women. The award was conferred upon her by Mrs. Geetha Jeevan, the Hon'ble Minister for Social Welfare.
This award was given to Lion A. Senthamari Kannan MJF, the Managing Director of A.S.K. Lands Project Pvt. Ltd., Chennai. His philanthropic activities in Chennai, which include supporting local charities, educational institutions, and healthcare services, have had a profound impact on the community.
Mr. N.R. Panicker, Chairman of Accel Limited, Chennai, was recognized for his entrepreneurial spirit and his commitment to social responsibility. Mr. Panicker has been instrumental in fostering a corporate culture that emphasizes giving back to society.
The recipient, Haji K.A.M. Mohammed Abubacker, Ex-MLA, was honored for his efforts in promoting communal harmony and peace in his community, fostering an environment of mutual respect and understanding among diverse religious and cultural groups.
This accolade was awarded to Mrs. Rangarajan Mahalakshmi K, Chairperson and Managing Trustee of Veltech Rangarajan Dr. Sagunthala R&D Institute of Science & Technology, Avadi, Chennai. Under her leadership, the institution has made significant strides in research and education, emphasizing social responsibility and innovation.
This was awarded to Shri M.G. Prakash Reddy, Editor in Chief & CEO of Corporate Social Focus, Mumbai, for his role in using media as a powerful tool to highlight social issues and promote charitable activities.
The award went to Mr. Clinton Antony, Lead Structural Engineer at Space Kidz India, for his contributions to science and technology, particularly in inspiring the younger generation to pursue careers in STEM fields.
Thanoor R. Shanmugam from Cuddalore, Tamil Nadu, was honored for his innovative and sustainable farming practices that have set a benchmark in agricultural communities across the state.
Mr. KPY Bala, known for his fame on Vijay TV, received this award for his contributions to the arts and his charitable activities, particularly his engagement
with youth and community service projects.
The Thootukudi Udavum Karangal Team was recognized for their dedicated service to humanitarian causes, including disaster relief and rehabilitation efforts in various parts of the country.
The ceremony was attended by representatives from various states and countries, reflecting the widespread impact and reach of the Trust's activities. Delegates included Mr. Albert Raja, Singapore Country Ambassador; Dato Dr. Robert Stephenson, Malaysia Country Representative; state representatives from Karnataka, Assam, Kerala, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, and others, showcasing a diverse and united front in the quest for social justice and welfare.
The award function was not just a celebration but also a call to action, encouraging more individuals and organizations to take up the mantle of social service and reform. It underscored the importance of recognizing and supporting those who dedicate their lives to humanitarian causes, reinforcing the message that collective efforts can lead to substantial positive change in society.
By honoring these remarkable individuals and institutions, the Mother Teresa Charitable Trust continues to inspire others to follow in the footsteps of Mother Teresa, embodying her teachings of love, compassion, and service to humanity. The Trust remains committed to its mission of providing aid to those who need it most and fostering a culture of empathy and altruism.
The Mother Teresa Charitable Trust's celebration of Mother Teresa's 114th birth anniversary was a powerful reminder of the enduring impact of her legacy. The event not only recognized the extraordinary contributions of the awardees but also highlighted the ongoing need for compassion and service in today’s world. As the Trust continues its work, it calls upon others to join in its mission of spreading love and kindness, ensuring that Mother Teresa’s light continues to shine brightly across the globe.
