Chief Minister Jayalalithaa presented the ‘Avvaiyar’ award for 2013 to Dr. V. Shanta, chairperson of Adyar Cancer Institute, at the Secretariat on Friday on the occasion of International Women’s Day.
The award carries a citation, a medallion, a cheque for Rs 1 lakh along with a shawl.
An official release said the award was instituted by the Chief Minister last year. Every year a woman who contributed in the fields of social reforms, women development, religious harmony, language, arts, tradition, culture, science, journalism and administration would be selected and presented with Avvaiyar award.
The release said this year Dr. Shanta was selected in recognition of her contribution in the field cancer treatment. After receiving the award, Dr. Shanta thanked the Chief Minister for honouring her in recognition of her services in the field of cancer treatment, the release added.
Tamil Nadu Congress (I) president B.S. Gnanadesikan congratulated Dr. Shanta for receiving the State Avvaiyar award. In a release he said Dr. Shanta has dedicated herself to the cause of treating cancer patients for several years and she deserved the award, he said.
