The Rotary movement has made an outstanding contribution to eradicating polio in the country said N. Ram, Chairman, Kasturi and Sons Ltd., at a vocational excellence awards function held in the city on Wednesday.
Presenting the awards instituted by the Rotary Club of Chennai Velachery, he appreciated the organisers for selecting the five deserving awardees. Seeking support for the cause of social work undertaken by the couple Vasudevan and Umamaheswari in providing education to economically backward children in Kannagi Nagar near Thoraipakkam, Mr. Ram also made a personal contribution of Rs. one lakh. He lauded the commendable work done by polio-affected Rajaram Shridhar, founder, Maithri, who has been able to create opportunities for the downtrodden. He also highlighted the valuable contribution made by the police to society by presenting the award to Deputy Superintendent of Police A. Sundarraj.
Referring to the role of the media in presenting credible information, Mr. Ram admitted that people were disillusioned with the news organisations. He noted that The Hindu , to bring self-regulation, had appointed a Readers’ Editor in 2006. He also lauded the work of A.S. Panneerselvan, the Readers’ Editor, who was awarded with the Lifetime achievement award, for re-energising the office with his columns.
Mr. Panneerselvan said he owed the Lifetime achievement award to The Hindu and Mr. Ram, who was instrumental in launching the news ombudsman in the country.
A.S. Prabagar, president, Rotary Club of Chennai Velachery, and R. Srinivasan, District Government Nominee, also spoke on the occasion.
