Chief Minister Jayalalithaa presented the Avvaiyar Award for the year 2014 to plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. K. Mathangi Ramakrishnan at the Secretariat here on Monday.
Dr. Ramakrishnan is chairperson of the Child Trust Medical Research Foundation in Chennai.
The State government had instituted to the award to honour women who excelled in fields such as social reform, women’s development, communal harmony, language service, arts, science, culture, journalism and management in connection with the International Women’s Day.
The award, being given away since 2012, carries a cash component of Rs. 1 lakh, a gold medal weighing eight gm, a citation and a shawl.
Ms. Jayalalithaa had announced the selection of Dr. Ramakrishnan for this year’s award on March 3.
On Monday, Ms. Jayalalithaa handed over the award to Dr. Ramakrishnan, who thanked the Chief Minister for the recognition the government had extended to her medical service.
Social Welfare Minister P. Valarmathi, Chief Secretary Mohan Varghese Chunkath, Adviser to State Government Sheela Balakrishnan, Social Welfare and Nutritious Noon Meal Department Secretary P.M. Basheer Ahmed, Social Welfare Director Xavier Chrisso Nayagam and other senior officials were present.